Efforts of Russia, Iran, Turkey on Syria important step towards successful Geneva talks - statement of Russian, Iranian presidents
MOSCOW. March 28 (Interfax) - Russia and Iran have expressed their firm support for efforts being made by Syrian authorities in fighting terrorists from Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nusra (both banned in Russia) and other affiliated groups, according to a joint statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Khasan Rouhani, released after top-level talks.
"Of particular note is the work of Russia, Iran and Turkey in the trilateral format which has created conditions for conducting intra-Syrian dialogue in Astana and ensured the possibility of establishing an effective and lasting ceasefire in Syria," the statement says.
"The parties see such cooperation as an important step towards the success of the Geneva talks under the aegis of the United Nations," the statement says.
The Russian and Iranian leaders have agreed "to further maintain the intensive political dialogue between the two countries, strengthen Russian-Iranian interaction in various spheres, primarily in the economy," Putin said.