Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated his country’s call on the international community to contribute to accelerating a political solution to the crisis in Syria and facilitating the return of the displaced Syrians to their country.

Lavrov’s remarks came during a press conference with his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis in Geneva on Wednesday.

“We informed our partners in Switzerland on the Russian efforts with other guarantor states (Iran and Turkey) in the framework of Astana process with the aim of finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria through developing dialogue among various Syrian parties,” said Lavrov.

Lavrov indicated that “a new round of Astana talks began today and it will last for two days”, hoping that this round will achieve further advance in terms of the political settlement in Syria.

Lavrov called on the international community to provide further support for accelerating the return of the displaced Syrians to their home country following the necessary conditions adopted by the Syrian government to facilitate their return.