MOSCOW. Jan 23 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
"The conversation participants exchanged opinions on the development of the situation in Syria and around it. The need for unconditional respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic was confirmed," according to information published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The ministers "emphasized the importance of uniting the efforts of all 'external players' capable of really assisting comprehensive settlement of the situation in Syria based on respect for the lawful rights of all Syrian citizens regardless of their political views, ethnic origin and religious affiliation," the ministry said.
The conversation "also addressed some bilateral issues."
"The ministers agreed to stay in close contact on the Syria issue and other vital regional and international issues," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
At the same time, "the Russian side again offered sincere condolences in connection with the tragic events on the ski resort in the Bolu province, in which many people were killed and injured," the ministry said.
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