Erdoğan tells Putin new clashes in Syria threaten entire region

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed bilateral ties, regional and global issues in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday.

Erdoğan told his Russian President Putin that armed clashes in the Druze heartland of Syria were a region-wide threat during a phone call on Friday, his office said.

Erdoğan said the clashes after the pullout of Syrian security forces from Sweida "posed a threat to the entire region", adding that it was essential Israel not violate Syria's sovereignty, according to the presidency.

Erdoğan said Türkiye aims to ensure stability and security in Syria and support the country's recovery.

Stressing the importance of initiating the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Erdoğan said that Türkiye will continue to host the peace talks in Istanbul as soon as the parties agree on dates.

Meanwhile, Putin thanked Erdoğan for his readiness to mediate through the Istanbul negotiation platform and reiterated Russia's commitment to a political and diplomatic resolution, according to a statement by the Kremlin.

He also reviewed developments in economic ties, welcoming the results of the Russian-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held on June 27.

Putin and Erdoğan agreed to stay in close contact on all matters discussed during the call.