Russian, Syrian diplomats discuss preparations for intra-Syrian talks in Geneva

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad discussed on Wednesday preparations for upcoming talks of representatives from the Syrian government and the opposition in Geneva, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, TASS reports.

"Attention during the conversation was focused on preparations for the start of intra-Syrian negotiations on the basis of Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council, scheduled in Geneva for February 23 under the UN auspices," the ministry said.

The Syrian ambassador and Bogdanov, who is also Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, "also touched upon certain topical issues of Russian-Syrian economic cooperation," the ministry said. The meeting was initiated by the Syrian diplomat.