MOSCOW (Sputnik) — He added that US President Donald Trump could become a vital partner to the Russian and Turkish leaders on Syria if he recognizes the importance of Moscow-Ankara contacts.
"Russia and Turkey currently play a very constructive role in the international arena. If Trump is really a wise politician and leader, he would see the closeness of the relationship between [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, and would serve as a third force to strengthen this dialogue," Ilnur Cevik said at a conference on Russian-Turkish ties.
Cevik expressed hope for a constructive cooperation on the Syrian settlement between Russia, Turkey and the United States.
"If Trump joins the position of Turkey and Russia on the Syrian settlement, I think all countries will benefit from that. We hope [Washington] will make the right decision," Cevik said.
Last Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow was ready to consider Washington's initiatives on the cooperation on Syria.
"We want to cooperate with the US, but if the US cooperates with the Democratic Union Party [PYD], with the PKK, then we will not be able to continue this cooperation and will form our position," Cevik said.
