Erdogan and Putin to Discuss Syrian Peace Plan Next Week, According to Reuters

ISTANBUL – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week to discuss a plan established by Turkey, Russia, and Iran aimed at reducing hostilities in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province.

The three nations agreed last week to deploy hundreds of observers in the province, which shares a border with Turkey and is controlled by an alliance led by the Nusra Front, a group previously associated with al-Qaeda.

"Idlib has been designated as a de-escalation zone," Erdogan stated during an event in New York, where he is participating in the U.N. General Assembly.

He noted that the Russian Federation has established guard towers and stations along the border, while Turkey has set up stations at protective points within Idlib. Erdogan also mentioned that the Turkish military is collaborating with Free Syrian Army fighters.

"This will continue until peace is established in that area," he added, without providing additional specifics.

Erdogan confirmed that he would meet with Putin on September 28, with Turkey’s TRT broadcaster reporting that the discussions would take place in Ankara.