Turkish FM: Syrian crisis cannot be resolved without Russia

The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a “permanent solution” to the ongoing conflict in Syria cannot be achieved without the participation of Iran and Russia.

“Without Russia’s contribution, there cannot be a permanent solution in Syria. We keep saying this. The same goes for Iran, too, with which we also have to boost our relations in this regard,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with the Sputnik news agency.

The minister also ruled out any “military solution” to the ongoing crisis in Syria.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Syria is getting worse. These problems cannot be solved in the short term through fighting alone. They cannot be solved single-handedly, either. That is why, we have to work together for a political solution and a ceasefire,” Press-TV cited Cavusoglu as saying.

The top Turkish diplomat noted that Turkey and Russia may have “differences of opinion,” but the essential aim is to bring mutual relations “to a level that is even better than before.”