UPDATE - Syria talks: Turkish president arrives in Russia

CHANGES HEADLINE, UPDATES WITH ERDOGAN ARRIVAL, DETAILS

By Ferdi Turkten

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Moscow Thursday afternoon to discuss Syrian crisis with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

He was welcomed by Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Ambassador to Turkey Akeksey Yerhov and Turkish envoy Mehmet Samsar along with other high profile representatives at the airport.

The Turkish leader is accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, among others.

Erdogan and Putin are set to discuss the recent developments in Syria, including cease-fire violations in the Idlib de-escalation zone, a stronghold of opposition forces in the war-torn country since 2011.

The regime and its allies have consistently broken the terms of the 2018 cease-fire and a new one that started on Jan. 12, launching frequent attacks inside the territory.

Besides civilian casualties and influx of asylum seekers along the Turkey borders, the breach recently led to the martyrdom of 34 Turkish soldiers. In response, Ankara launched Operation Spring Shield against regime targets.

Turkey's soldiers are stationed in northwestern Syria to protect the local population and counter-terrorist groups. Ankara has urged Russia to live up to the peace agreements and ensure an immediate cease-fire in the region.