Turkey, Russia agree next Syrian regime should be inclusive: Turkish PM

Turkey and Russia agree that the next Syrian regime should be all inclusive, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Speaking in an interview with local NTV, Cavusoglu noted that Syria should have an administration which allows everyone to practice their beliefs freely.

"We think the same as Russia on Syria's future. The next administration in Syria should be inclusive and cover everyone," he said, adding the new administration in Syria "should be a secular one."

"We always say only a political solution (in Syria) can be permanent, in terms of not hurting civilians, separating moderate opposition from terrorist groups and (ensuring) humanitarian aid," Cavusoglu stressed.

"We are on the same page with Russia that Syria should have an administration under which everyone can live with their beliefs," he said.

A Turkish delegation held talks in Russia on Thursday aiming at coordination on Syria and other bilateral issues following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane last year.

Cavusoglu also called on Russia to carry out joint operations against the Islamic State, adding that the proposal was still "on the table."

Cavusoglu said that cooperation between Russia and Turkey on politics, military and intelligence will pave the way to put bilateral relations on a solid ground and help resolve problems in Syria.

During President Erdogan's visit to St. Petersburg on Tuesday, the two leaders agreed to set up a joint committee on Syria, which consists of military and intelligence officers and diplomats from both Russia and Turkey. Endit