Lavrov: Moscow Ready to Cooperate with Washington on Syria

MOSCOW- Russian Foreign Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday that Russia is ready to cooperate with Washington on Syria.

 During a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Al-Safadi, Lavrov said interaction between Russia and the United States was vital for ensuring effective steps by the global community aimed at resolving the crisis in Syria.

 The Russia top diplomat said Moscow is ready for such cooperation and it expects Washington to adopt the same approach.

 According to Itar Tass, the Russian foreign minister stressed that in order to eliminate the terrorist threat, “it is important that all those fighting terrorism in Syria join their efforts.” “I mean the Russian Aerospace Force and the US-led coalition,” he noted.

He also said that he plans to discuss the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria, the ceasefire and the Astana talks with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Al-Safadi on Saturday.

“In a few days, the next round of the Astana consultations will be held which involve the Syrian government and opposition, as well as the guarantor states,” Lavrov said opening the meeting. “We believe it is very important to exchange views on the preparations for the event.”

“Issues related to consultations on the ceasefire, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and creating conditions for the political process will top the agenda,” Lavrov added.

He also said that Moscow would like to know Jordan’s view on the fight against the so-called “Islamic State” and Jabhat al-Nusra terror groups.

“We will pay special attention to the issues most important for us which concern the situation on the Jordan-Syria border,” the Russian top diplomat said. He noted that ISIS terrorists have heavy  presence in southern Syria and Jabhat al-Nusra has also strengthened its capabilities there.

“We would like to exchange views on ways to eliminate this threat, ensure the ceasefire and launch an offensive on the terrorists’ positions,” Lavrov said.

“I would like to use this opportunity to discuss the situation in other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as ways to break the Palestinian-Israeli deadlock,” he added. “It is also a good opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations.”

H.M