Turkish, Russian defense ministers discuss Turkey’s al-Bab operation

ANKARA

The Turkish and Russian defense ministers discussed Turkey’s ongoing operation into Syria and the evacuations from Aleppo on Dec. 20, in a meeting that came just one day after Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov was shot dead in Ankara. 

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed his pleasure at hosting Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık for the first time in Moscow, according to sources present at the meeting on Dec. 20.  

During the meeting Shoigu stressed the importance of the agreement reached by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin to cooperate in bringing to light the killing of Karlov. 

“Our cooperation for the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo, as well as providing peace across the whole of Syria, will also be intensified,” he added.

For his part, Işık underlined his sorrow over the loss of the ambassador and vowed to reveal “all the connections of the perpetrator.” 

“The timing of this attack draws attention. This attack targets our successful cooperation in evacuating civilians from Aleppo and our friendship. But us and our leaders have shown the entire world that this heinous terror attack will not reach its aim,” he said.