Erdogan comments on Idlib deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described the agreement between Turkey and Russia to establish a demilitarized zone in Syria’s Idlib as "a step toward peace."

"The defense ministers of both sides signed a document. It is to stop bloodshed in Idlib. There are 12 articles in the signed agreement," Erdogan said at the War Veterans Day ceremony at the presidential complex in Ankara.

"This is a step toward peace beyond our border," Hurriyet Daily cited the Turkish leader as saying.

Following a meeting in the Russia's Sochi between Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two countries agreed September 17 to establish a demilitarized zone in Idlib.

According to the memorandum of understanding, opposition groups in Idlib will remain in areas in which they are already present, while Russia and Turkey will conduct joint patrols in the area with a view to preventing renewed fighting.

Located near the Turkish border, Idlib province is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by regime forces.