Russia hails Iran, Turkey cooperation in solving Syria crisis

'Russia attaches great importance to cooperation with Turkey and Iran in the framework of the settlement of the Syrian crisis and assistance to Bagdad in countering the terrorist threat from the Islamic State [Daesh],' Russian Foreign Ministry website reported.

Speaking in an interview with the Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper, the Russian foreign minister added, 'We believe that the joint efforts of Russia, Turkey and Iran reversed the situation in Syria, destructed the centers of resistance of ISIS [Daesh], Jabhat al‑Nusra and other terrorist groups, and ensured necessary conditions for a substantial and motivated intra-Syrian dialogue about a future political order.'

'The latest example of the fruitful and close interaction of the three countries is the agreements of the sixth International Meeting on Syrian Settlement held in Astana, last September 14‑15, including about the modalities of the Idlib de-escalation zone functioning. In fact, necessary conditions enabling the end of the fratricidal war in Syria, complete elimination of terrorists and return of Syrians to a peaceful life were created.

'Steps taken in coordination with Ankara and Tehran aim to maintain and strengthen the cessation of hostilities in Syria, help the political settlement of the conflict, decrease the level of violence and improve the humanitarian situation dramatically.'

Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier said in a similar comment that the joint initiative by Iran, Turkey and Russia which has resulted in creating four safe zones in Syria was effective and also supported by many countries.