Bogdanov, Syrian ambassador discuss de-escalation area function, preparation for 6th Astana round
MOSCOW. Aug 4 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Syrian Ambassador Riyad Haddad in Moscow have discussed the process of de-escalation area creation in Syria and preparations for talks in Astana, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"The conversation involved a substantive exchange of views on the current military-political situation in Syria. A particular focus was on creating and setting up efficient functioning of de-escalation areas in the southwest of the country, in Eastern Ghouta in the Damascus region, in Homs province, and also in Idlib," the ministry said in a statement.
"In this context, progress was discussed in preparations for the next, sixth round of the International meeting on Syria in Astana," the ministry said.
The parties stressed that "the very process of creating such zones has already made a significant reduction of the level of tension possible, hindered terrorist activity and improved the humanitarian situation" in Syria.
Bodganov received the ambassador at the latter's request.