Syrian President Bashar al Assad has had talks in Russia with Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders spoke in the Black Sea coast resort of Sochi to discuss their "next mutual steps", according to the Kremlin.

A transcript released by the Russian government claimed Mr Assad said the situation in Syria was becoming "more stable".

Image: Syria has been plagued by civil war for seven years

He also reportedly hailed progress in fighting "terrorism", which "opens the door to the political process".

Mr Putin's spokesman said Mr Assad had decided to "send a delegation to the UN" to discuss reforming the country's constitution.


Russia has been a crucial ally of the Syrian regime throughout the Middle Eastern country's seven-year civil.

Assad meets Putin in Russia

Moscow launched an air campaign to help Mr Al Assad's forces in 2015 which tipped the conflict in his favour.

The two leaders have previously met in Russia in November 2017 and October 2015.