Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a “permanent solution” to the ongoing conflict in Syria cannot be achieved without the participation of Iran and Russia.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a “permanent solution” to the ongoing conflict in Syria cannot be achieved without the participation of Iran and Russia.

In an interview with Russia's Sputnik new agency, Cavusoglu ruled out any “military solution” to the ongoing crisis in Syria.

" Without Russia’s contribution, there cannot be a permanent solution in Syria. We keep saying this. The same goes for Iran, too, with which we also have to boost our relations in this regard."

 “Unfortunately, the situation in Syria is getting worse. These problems cannot be solved in the short term through fighting alone. They cannot be solved single-handedly, either. That is why, we have to work together for a political solution and a ceasefire,” Cavusoglu said.

The top Turkish diplomat noted that Turkey and Russia may have “differences of opinion,” but the essential aim is to bring mutual relations “to a level that is even better than before.”

Since taking office in May, Yildirim has repeatedly said that Turkey needs to “increase its friends and decrease its enemies,” an apparent tacit admission that past policies have left Ankara sidelined.

The recent remarks come in the wake of recent Turkish efforts to warm relations with Russia, which is a key supporter of the Syrian government.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at a press conference in Moscow on Thursday said that Russia has begun “thoughtful” work on Syria with Turkey despite having substantial disagreements over the issue.

“We have started to work in detail and thoughtfully on the Syrian issue with the Turkish side. We consider this work to be constructive and positive,” she added.