Russia, Iran ready for joint efforts to settle Syrian crisis - Kremlin

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani expressed readiness in a phone conversation on Monday to take further joint steps to achieve a long-term settlement in Syria, the Kremlin press service said. "Both sides voiced readiness for further joint efforts to achieve a long-term settlement of the Syrian crisis, in particular by enhancing cooperation between countries-guarantors of the Astana process and promoting political talks under the UN auspices in Geneva," it said. During the discussion on the situation in Syria, the leaders welcomed the outcome of the sixth international meeting in Astana on September 14-15, namely concerning the formation of four de-escalation zones. Putin and Rouhani also underlined the importance of full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "During the exchange of views on settling the situation around the Iranian nuclear program, the sides noted the importance of full implementation of the JCPOA as an important factor for ensuring regional stability and security," the press service said in a statement. The sides also discussed vital issues of bilateral cooperation in various areas and cooperation in Russia-Iran-Azerbaijan format. The leaders agreed to maintain contacts. Read more