You're reading: Associated Press: Russian FM says Saudi Arabia backs Syria truce deals

Saudi Arabia has assured Russia that it supports a gradual process of negotiating local cease-fires and setting up “de-escalation zones” in Syria, Russia’s foreign minister said September 11, a day after meeting with Saudi leaders.

Russia and Iran, Saudi Arabia’s main regional foe, back Syria’s government, while Saudi Arabia supports Syrian rebels. Russia, Iran and Turkey, another rebel backer, have been sponsoring talks, known for their venue, the Kazakh capital of Astana, on local cease-fires and de-escalation zones. A new round starts later this week.

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