Putin and Erdogan agreed on 'normalization' of the situation in Syrian Idlib

(Patria) - Turkey and Russia have agreed to 'normalize' the situation in northwestern Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday after a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan.

The two countries support opposing sides in the long and devastating war in Syria, where Russia supports the government of Bashar al-Assad, and Turkey supports the rebels.

Last year, they signed the Sochi memorandum, which was supposed to turn the Syrian province of Idlib, bordering Turkey, into a demilitarized zone. Idlib is, incidentally, the last stronghold of the rebels in Syria.

However, two weeks ago, a Turkish convoy with ammunition that crossed into Idlib came under fire from Syrian forces. Syrian state media reported that the convoy was intended to help the rebels, condemning Turkey's 'aggressiveness' while the 'Syrian army is determined to hunt down the remaining terrorists'.

In a press statement, Putin and Erdogan emphasized that Syria should remain a unified country. Erdogan added that Turkey has the right to self-defense on its own border. He said he conveyed his country's intentions 'personally to my dear friend Mr. Putin', and that Ankara will continue cooperation in the defense industry with Moscow.

We remind you that in July, Turkey received the first shipment of the Russian missile defense system, which escalated tensions with the NATO alliance and excluded Turkey from the joint program for the F-35 fighter jets.

During Erdogan's two-day visit to Russia, the two leaders visited the 14th International Aviation Parade, where they observed flights of Russian combat aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57.

Putin said he discussed cooperation with the Turkish president, which includes the Su-35 aircraft, as well as the new Su-57.