Lavrov to discuss situation in Syria, Iraq with Jordan foreign minister on January 16 - Zakharova

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Jordanian top diplomat Nasser Judeh will discuss the situation in Syria and Iraq in Moscow on January 16, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. "The parties will discuss the pressing issues on international and regional agenda paying special attention to the numerous conflicts the Middle East has been facing," the diplomat added. "The Syrian issue will top the meeting’s agenda," Zakharova stressed. "The two countries are willing to ensure an early political solution to the Syrian conflict. Its consequences have been affecting Syria’s neighboring country Jordan which has accommodated over 600,000 Syrian refugees on its territory." "Like our Jordanian counterparts, we believe there could be only a political solution to the Syrian conflict, the Syrian people should solve the issue themselves without any preconditions but the world community should help," she noted. "The situation in Iraq is going to be another key issue that will be discussed at the meeting. It has been destabilizing the situation in the region for many years," Zakharova went on to say. "Russia and Jordan support the Iraqi government’s efforts aimed at eliminating trans-border terrorism." According to Zakharova, the two ministers will also exchange views on the Palestinian-Israeli issue as well as the development of bilateral relations. Read more