Iran-Russia-Turkey Summit: Leaders focus on long-term settlement of Syrian crisis

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02:19

The leaders of Iran, Russia and Turkey have met for their fourth round of talks on the Syrian conflict. The three countries are the self-styled guarantors of peace in Syria, but this was the first time they had met since the US announced plans to withdraw its troops. And as Moscow Correspondent Lucy Taylor reports, there is still little agreement on what happens next.

They say they are working towards peace in Syria.

But the details of how to achieve it are still out of their grasp.

Russia wants action to drive out militants from northwestern Idlib - the last rebel stronghold.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "We need to agree how to provide the final de-escalation in Idlib. State of ceasefire is still maintained in the province. However, it does not mean we have to tolerate the presence of terrorists."

But Turkey's focus is on the North East, where Kurdish fighters have until now been supported by the United States.

Turkey wants a buffer zone to keep the Kurdish militia away from its border but Russia and Iran want the Syrian government to retain control.

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN TURKISH PRESIDENT "The three guarantor states have done plenty for political resolution. There has never been so much hope for it before the start of our work. Having crossed a sea, we have no right to get drowned in a river."

The three countries have been working together since 2017. But they represent competing interests within Syria and the planned withdrawal of US troops has created a race for territory and influence.

MARIANNA BELENKAYA MIDDLE EAST SPECIALIST, KOMMERSANT "This question is critical for the presidents of the Astana three. For them, it's very important not to allow the chaos and vacuum of power in those territories currently held by the US, so that terrorists don't appear there again."

The three leaders have agreed to a new round of talks, as soon as March.

LUCY TAYLOR MOSCOW "Syria is still a battleground for its neighbours' ambitions. Russia, Iran and Turkey all have a stake. But after almost eight years of conflict and more than half a million deaths - a deal that secures peace for the Syrian people is as elusive as ever. Lucy Taylor, CGTN, Moscow."