‘Efforts against terror groups in Idlib to continue’

By Enes Kaplan and Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said efforts against terrorist organizations in Syria’s Idlib will continue.

“Our joint fight against terrorist organizations in Syria's Idlib will continue,” Erdogan said in a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Last September, following a meeting between Erdogan and Putin, the two sides agreed to set up a demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syria.

Under the deal, opposition groups in Idlib are to remain in areas where they are already present, while Russia and Turkey conduct joint patrols in the area to prevent renewed fighting.

The Turkish president stressed necessity of joint fight against terrorist groups, which he said, are aiming to undermine Turkey-Russian cooperation.

“It is critically important that a vacuum during the U.S. withdrawal [from Syria], which can be exploited by terrorists, doesn't form, Erdogan went on to say.

“The U.S. will take measures on threatening regions, which is 30 km deep [in Syria]. We are on the same page with Russia on this topic,” he added.

He said Turkish ministers and officials have held negotiations on safe zone in northern Syria, adding: “sensitivity of the regions that threaten us is of great importance.”