Syria, 'Israel' to hold direct talks in Baku: Report

A Syrian and an 'Israeli' official are set to hold a direct meeting in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, according to a diplomatic source in Damascus cited by AFP on Saturday.

The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s official visit to Azerbaijan, the source said.

While President Sharaa will not personally attend the meeting, the discussions will reportedly focus on the newly established 'Israeli' military presence in Syria. This refers to areas in southern Syria where 'Israeli' forces advanced following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government over seven months ago.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, did not disclose further details.