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Putin, Kerry meeting in Moscow over Syrian crisis

Xinhua, December 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday met with visiting U.S. Serectary of State John Kerry to discuss various issues, including the Syrian crisis.

The meeting was held after "extensive" talks between Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, while Putin said at the beginning of the meeting that proposals of the U.S. side was reported to him in details by Lavrov.

"I am very pleased to meet you and talk about all issues (that need further discussion)," Putin said.

"You know that Russia is with the U.S. to solve the most acute crises. I know that after meeting in Paris (of Putin and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama in November), the American side drafted its vision of a solution to a number of problems, including the Syrian crisis."

Putin said Moscow sees how many efforts the U.S. secretary of state is making "to settle a number of very acute problems."

On Kerry's part, the U.S. senior diplomat thanked Putin for the hospitality and the efforts of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov paid during previous discussions.

"We are very grateful for these efforts," Kerry said. "Both you and President Obama have committed to trying to develop specific approach to address issues related to Ukraine and Syria."

Kerry hailed previous agreement reached during rounds of Vienna talks over Syrian political process as "very good start" that opens up a range of possibilities.

"Both me and Mr. Lavrov agreed that together, Russia and the U.S. can do much to move forward," Kerry said.

"I very much look forward to our discussion now and appreciate the seriousness of your commitment of time and thought about these issues," he added.

Kerry's visit to Russia was an effort to narrow differences between the two major powers over Syrian crisis, as the role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in future of the war-torn country is among the biggest disputes.

Still under way as of this writing, the talks inside the Kremlin are said to prepare for future meetings under the framework of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG), which is dedicated to pushing forward the political reconciliation in Syria.

Various issues like anti-terror coalition, Ukraine crisis and recent Russia-Turkey dispute are also expected to be touched upon during Kerry's meetings in Moscow. Endit