Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Iranian Ambassador Discuss Syrian Settlement

18 January

Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali underscored the significance of collaboration between their nations in addressing the Syrian crisis. This includes active engagement within the Astana format, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

 

"The importance of continuing close coordination between Moscow and Tehran in the interests of a comprehensive settlement of the crisis in Syria, including within the framework of the Astana format, was emphasized," the ministry stated in a released statement.

 

During the meeting, both parties expressed shared concerns regarding the escalating tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. The need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and the provision of humanitarian assistance to its residents were highlighted.

 

Additionally, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that special attention was given to "the situation in the waters of the Red Sea, sharply aggravated as a result of massive strikes on the territory of Yemen by a group of countries led by the US and Britain."

 

The meeting was initiated by the Iranian ambassador.

 

Negotiations within the Astana format, ongoing since 2017, involve Russia, Iran, and Turkey as guarantor countries for the settlement process in Syria, along with representatives from the Syrian government and opposition, the UN, and observer countries.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: T Foz/Unsplash

Based on materials from TASS