Tehran, Dec 31, IRNA – Presidents of Iran and Russia welcomed the Syrian ceasefire, reaffirming commitment to international campaign against terrorism and terrorist groups, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front.

According to the Presidential Office, President Hassan Rouhani and President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation on Saturday evening expressed deep concern about humanitarian crisis in Syria.
They called for coordination to supply humanitarian relief aid to Syria and the peace talks due to be held between Syrian government and opposition in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

President Rouhani congratulated President Putin on occasion of the New Year, saying that Iran welcomes ceasefire in Syria and Iran believes in coordination between countries necessary before Astana peace talks.

Rouhani said that dispatch of humanitarian aid for Syrian people, especially the cities surrounded by terrorists is necessary and that it is very important to maintain and keep the ceasefire.

He emphasized the need for regular consultations between foreign ministries of the two countries in this concern.

President Putin in this telephone conversation said that the ceasefire was product of cooperation and coordination of all countries advocating peace and tranquility in Syria, especially Iran and Russia.

President Putin said that our duty is to protect existing achievements, supporting the international campaign against terrorism.

He underlined the need for regular consultations between foreign ministers of the two countries before talks begin in capital of Kazakhstan between the Syrian government and the opposition.

He said that Russia is ready to cooperate with groups in Syria ready to get involved in peace talks and that there is no doubt Russia will not allow the ceasefire to include the terrorists groups like Daesh and an-Nusra Front and similar groups.