Tehran, IRNA - The Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs Ali-Asghar Khaji has held talks with the Russian special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, in Kazakhstan.

They met on Wednesday, discussing the latest regional developments, in particular the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The Iranian and Russian officials held their discussions on the sidelines of the 21st round of talks within the Astana Format that calls for a political solution to the years-long crisis in Syria.

Khaji, who heads the Iranian delegation to the Astana talks, pointed to the Israeli regime’s atrocities and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which he said are taking place with the support of the United States and certain Western countries. He underlined the need for an end to the genocidal war and deliver humanitarian aid to Gazans.

Khaji and Lavrentiev also expressed satisfaction with the level of mutual cooperation between Iran and Russia, emphasizing the expansion of collaboration to help resolve the foreign-imposed crisis in Syria and enhance peace and security in the Arab country.

The Astana format was initiated in 2017 to end hostilities in Syria. Russia, Turkiye, and Iran, as well as delegates from Syria’s government and opposition take part in the 21st round of the Astana Format talks.

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