Russian and Syrian Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Faisal Mekdad discussed the results of the 15th international meeting on Syria in the Astana format by phone on Wednesday.
"The Ministers exchanged views on developments in and around Syria. Particular attention was paid to the results of the 15th international meeting on Syria in the Astana format held in Sochi on February 16-17 and the discussion of tasks to further promote a political settlement based on the UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including the work of the Constitutional Committee," the Russian diplomatic office said in a statement.
Lavrov reiterated Moscow's unchanged position in support of "unconditional respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the legitimate right of Syrians to independently determine the future of their country." In addition, the sides condemned the practice of applying illegitimate unilateral sanctions and "politicized approaches to humanitarian assistance to Syria, as well as the continued illegal foreign military presence on its territory".
Moscow and Damascus reaffirmed their intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including on the reconstruction of social and economic infrastructure in the Arab republic, the return home of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, and the fight against terrorism and the spread of the coronavirus. "Lavrov and Mekdad checked the notes as part of the established practice of maintaining tight foreign policy coordination," the Russian Foreign Ministry concluded.
The international meeting on the Syrian settlement in the Astana format was held in Sochi on February 16-17. According to its results, Russia, Turkey and Iran, the guarantor countries of the Astana process, confirmed in a joint statement their unchanged commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and agreed to continue fighting against terrorism on the territory of the Arab republic.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS