Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spoke to the Russian news agency Ria Novos. His statement came after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Al-Assad told Ria Novosti that a meeting with Erdogan would be possible "when Turkey is openly and unhesitatingly ready to withdraw completely from Syrian territory."

Al-Assad raised concern over the Turkish support for mercenary groups in Syria, saying that “Ankara should stop supporting terrorism".

Al-Assad stressed: “This is the only scenario for a meeting with Erdogan to take place”.

The Syrian President added: “Why should such a meeting be organized if it will not lead to a final end to the war in Syria?”