Putin indicates surge in terrorist activity in Idlib de-escalation area in phone call with Erdogan
MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax) - The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have discussed the situation in Syria and Libya, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.
"Both sides expressed their concern about rising tensions in the Idlib de-escalation area. Vladimir Putin indicated a surge in terrorist activity and the attacks, which have led to multiple civilian casualties. The need for strict compliance with the Russian-Turkish agreements concerning Idlib, which envisage the heightening of joint efforts towards neutralizing the extremists, was underlined," the statement said.
"It was agreed to take urgent measures, first and foremost, those of the Russian and Turkish defense ministries, for higher efficiency of coordination of the efforts taken in Syria," it said.
The sides reaffirmed their commitment to the intra-Syrian dialogue within the framework of the Geneva-based Constitutional Committee.
"While exchanging views on the Libya settlement process, the importance of implementation of the ceasefire, which was declared in the country on January 12, and decisions made at the Berlin Conference on Libya on January 19, was accentuated," the statement said.
According to the press service, the phone call was initiated by the Turkish side.