Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Turkish DMs reaffirm commitment to Syria's integrity - Russian Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. April 25 (Interfax) - The defense ministers of Russia, Iran, Syria, and Turkey discussed measures to counter terrorism, normalize Syrian-Turkish relations, and preserve Syria's territorial integrity at negotiations in Moscow on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"The meeting's participants discussed practical steps for bolstering security in Syria and normalizing Syrian-Turkish relations," it said.

"They attached special significance to countering all terrorist threats and combating all extremist groups in Syria," it said.

"Based on the outcomes of the negotiations, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Syria's territorial integrity and the need to step up efforts to return Syrian refugees home as soon as possible," it said.

"The defense chiefs emphasized, in particular, the constructive nature of the dialogue in this format, and the need to continue with it to promote stabilization of the situation in Syria and the region as a whole," it said.