ASHGHABAT (Ruptly) — Moscow recognises Ankara’s concern for border security amid Turkey’s military offensive in northeast Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on the sidelines of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Foreign Ministers meeting in Ashgabat on Thursday.

“From the very beginning of the crisis in Syria, we have always drawn attention to the fact that we understand the Turkey’s legitimate concern for the security of its borders”, said Lavrov.

The Russian diplomat pointed to a 1998 security agreement between Damascus and Ankara, saying that all problems should have been solved within the framework of the accord. He stated the implementation of the pact had been “complicated by the actions of the Americans and their coalition on the east bank of the Euphrates.” Lavrov said:

For many years we have been warning about the extreme danger of the experiment that the Americans set up there, trying in every possible way to oppose the Kurds to the Arab tribes. We warned against playing the Kurdish card, because it could end really badly.

The foreign minister highlighted that Moscow could contribute in establishing dialogue between Ankara and Damascus, adding he believed it would be in everyone’s interest.