Syrian President Bashar al-Asad will arrive in Turkey on Wednesday, September 16 upon an invitation by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Anadolu news agency reported.
Speaking to the Anadolu Agency, Syria's Ambassador in Ankara Nidal Kabalan said that al-Asad will come to Istanbul on Wednesday with a large delegation.
The two leaders will discuss bilateral relations, the Middle East peace process and other regional issues. Asad's visit to Turkey will be part of consultations between Turkey and Syria, Kabalan said.
Ambassador Kabalan noted that al-Asad will attend a fast-breaking dinner to be hosted by Erdogan at the Justice and Development (AK) Party.
Asked if the topic of recent tension between Syria and Iraq will come up during Asad's talks with Erdogan, Kabalan said that the issue will get discussed by the two leaders.
In response to a question on the possibility of resumption of peace talks between Syria and Israel under Turkey's mediation, Kabalan said that Syria believes in Turkey's role as a mediator.
We believe that Turkey is a very reliable mediator, Kabalan said.
The problem is the Israeli side and the policies they implement. There are problems such as settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights, a territory that belongs to Syria, occupied by Israel, Kabalan also said.