Putin: Russia, US May Reach Agreement on Syria 'within Next Few Days'


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Moscow and Washington may reach an agreement on resolving the Syrian crisis shortly, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, following a meeting with US counterpart Barack Obama.

The two leaders have finally come to a common understanding, Putin said on Monday.

"Our collaborative effort with the US in fighting terrorist organizations, including the ones in Syria, may be significantly improved and intensified," Putin said at a press conference on the results of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China.

Without specifying the details of the talks with Washington, the Russian president said he had "grounds to believe" that results may be achieved "within the next few days."

The Syrian crisis was top of the agenda at the two leaders' meeting in China, Putin said, adding that he felt real interest and concern from the American president in finding solutions in Syria.

"I think he absolutely sincerely aims to reach results in fighting terrorism and resolving the Syrian conflict," Putin said, according to Russia Today.

"It was mainly the two of us who had the discussion, going into detail. I think we have reached mutual understanding," he told reporters, adding that the nations' top diplomats have now been tasked with working further on the "technical" questions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry and its head, Sergey Lavrov, together with US Secretary of State John Kerry will work on the preliminary agreements on Syria reached by the presidents, Putin said, adding that the nations are heading "in the right direction."

"We could, at least for a period of time, agree on mutual and active efforts to recover the situation in Syria," the president said, stressing that any moves should be taken in consultation with the Syrian government. "Our other partners, including Iran, will also be informed [on the progress]," Putin added.