Russian President Vladimir Putin has renewed his call for a political solution to the war in Syria, during a rare visit by the Syrian leader.
According to BBC News, Mr. Putin told Bashar al-Assad the military campaign was “wrapping up”, but there was still “a long way to go”.
A two-year Russian air campaign has given Syria a clear upper hand in the civil war, which began in 2011.
The meeting comes ahead of talks between Syria’s allies Russia and Iran, and Turkey, which backs the rebels.
The three powers have increasingly co-operated in recent months to set up a series of so-called de-escalation zones aimed at calming fighting across Syria.
Speaking to Russian television after the meeting yesterday evening, Mr. Putin said he intended to talk with US President Donald Trump and the Emir of Qatar about a resolution to the conflict.
