Leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran -- the three major powers active in Syria -- held a trilateral summit in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The three countries' presidents discussed ways to find a political solution to a war that has lingered for eight years. CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports from Ankara.

On Wednesday, back to back meetings took place between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Russian President Vladimir Putin where they discussed regional issues and mutual cooperation and then later met on Syria.

MICHAL BARDAVID ANKARA "Leaders of the three countries held a trilateral summit on Syria here at the Turkish Presidential complex, they discussed ways to expand ceasefire efforts across the country and searched for new strategies to support a political solution in Syria."

All three leaders emphasized their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty and independence. Erdogan stated that Syria's territorial integrity depended on distancing all terrorist organizations equally.

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN TURKISH PRESIDENT "It's very important that all terrorist organizations, that are posing threat not only to Syria and Turkey but to all neighboring countries and even the whole region, are excluded without exceptions."

Erdogan also added that Turkey would continue its cross border efforts to clear the Syrian Kurdish group YPG in other regions, including Manbij. The leaders expressed their determination to continue their active cooperation for the achievement of a lasting ceasefire as envisaged by the UN Security Council. Russian President Putin stated the three countries would also work closer together to prevent provocations.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Some militants are using gas chemicals to create provocations. We have clear evidence of this. In this summit, we decided to increase the exchange of terror intelligence."

Meanwhile, Iranian President Rouhani made accusations against foreign forces, especially the U.S.

HASSAN ROUHANI IRANIAN PRESIDENT "Some big powers, particularly the United States, wanted terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Al-Nusra to remain in our region as their tool so they can benefit from this, but big countries like Syria and Iraq destroyed this conspiracy with the help of friendly countries."

The leaders also discussed the forming of a new constitution for Syria, the establishment of more de-escalation zones and ways to prevent civilian casualties in war-torn Syria. The leaders agreed to meet in Iran for the next trilateral meeting. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Ankara.