This is the first issue that must be solved in the talks that are taking place to start the normalization process, and without this withdrawal, these ties will not be re-established, the sources said.

In turn, the Syrian Ministry of Defense revealed that a meeting held in Moscow, last Monday, between the Ministers of Syria, Türkiye, Russia and Iran, addressed the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the implementation of the agreement on the international highway known as M4.

Regarding Ankara’s concern that there would be a void in the areas where its soldiers are to withdraw from, Syrian Defense Minister, Ali Abbas, said his country’s armed forces are fully prepared to establish and maintain security throughout the region.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, the four ministers discussed issues on strengthening security in Syria and normalizing Syrian-Turkish relations.

Particular attention was paid to counteracting all manifestations of terrorism, threats, and the fight against all extremist groups on Syrian territory, the Ministry said.

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