"The United States remains committed to defeating ISIS, helping to end the conflict in Syria, reducing suffering, and enabling people to return to their homes," McMaster said. | Getty McMaster touts Syrian cease-fire as 'important step' in combating terrorism

National security adviser H.R. McMaster on Saturday officially announced that a cease-fire in southwest Syria would take effect at noon Sunday Damascus time, touting the move as a diplomatic success for the U.S. in the fight against terrorism in the region.

"The United States remains committed to defeating ISIS, helping to end the conflict in Syria, reducing suffering, and enabling people to return to their homes," McMaster said in a statement released Saturday, according to a press pool. "This agreement is an important step toward these common goals."


McMaster said de-escalation zones are a "priority for the United States, and we’re encouraged by the progress made to reach this agreement."

The agreement for the cease-fire, which also included Jordan and Israel, was reached Friday after President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for the first time, according to The Associated Press. Details of the arrangement were first reported by the AP on Friday, before the Trump administration's official unveiling Saturday.

Trump discussed the agreement with many world leaders at the G-20 Summit, McMaster said in the statement, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.