 Russia hosted foreign ministers from Turkey, Iran and Syria on May 10 as part of efforts to rebuild Turkey's Syrian ties after years of animosity during the Syrian war. The meeting which was announced last month follows one of defense ministers in April that was described as constructive. Moscow is Assad's main ally in Russia has encouraged a reconciliation with Ankara. Damascus demands the full withdrawal of Turkish troops for relations to be restored. NATO alliance member Turkey has backed political and armed opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the 12-year civil war and sent its own troops into the country's north. Last month's talks focused on strengthening security in Syria and the normalization of ties between Ankara and Damascus. A Turkish foreign ministry press release on May 9 said Wednesday's meeting will exchange views on normalization of the relations between Turkey and Syria and to discuss counter terrorism, political process and humanitarian matters including the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrians.