Putin and Erdogan Discussed Northeast Syria Situation in a Phone Call

Turkey launched its cross-border offensive one month ago, saying it aimed to drive Kurdish forces from the border region and create a “safe zone” to settle Syrian refugees.

It halted its advance under a deal with the United States which called for the withdrawal from the border of Kurdish YPG fighters - whom Ankara considers to be terrorists.

Erdogan later agreed a separate deal with Moscow, which also called for the YPG to withdraw at least 30 km (nearly 20 miles) from the border, but has since said that neither Washington nor Moscow has been able to deliver on the deals.

The Turkish statement on Saturday said Erdogan and Putin confirmed their commitment to the accord they struck at a meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi which also paved the way for joint Russian-Turkish military patrols inside Syria, Reuters reported.

It said the two presidents also discussed bilateral trade, but gave no further details.

The Turkish president is due to hold talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday.