All news

Senior Russian diplomat discusses Syrian settlement with Iranian counterpart

The sides noted the importance of close cooperation within the framework of the Astana format, as well as the need to promote the establishment of a constructive dialogue between Damascus and Ankara

MOSCOW, February 1. /TASS/. Russian President's Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov discussed issues of the comprehensive settlement in Syria at a meeting in Moscow on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister's senior advisor for political affairs Ali Asghar Khaji.

"There was a detailed exchange of views on topical issues of the Middle East problems with a focus on the tasks of the comprehensive settlement in the Syrian Arab Republic. At the same time, the principled position of Moscow and Tehran on the need to unconditionally respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria was confirmed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In addition, the sides noted the importance of close cooperation within the framework of the Astana format, as well as the need to promote the establishment of a constructive dialogue between Damascus and Ankara.

The diplomats also stressed the need for greater international assistance to Syria, aimed at post-conflict reconstruction of the region and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier said at a press conference following talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry that Russia considered it logical for Iran to participate in new contacts on the settlement between Turkey and Syria; an agreement in principle has been reached on this issue.