MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russian president’s envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met on Friday with Syria’s Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad and confirmed Russia’s principled position in support on the Syrian government in its efforts against terrorism and extremism, the Russian foreign ministry said.

"The sides discussed the current military and political situation in Syria, primarily in its northern areas," the ministry said. "The Russian side confirmed its principled position in support of the Syrian government in its efforts against international terrorism and extremism and commitment to further humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict."

"The sides stressed Moscow’s and Damascus’ commitment to political settlement in Syria through a broad intra-Syrian dialogue in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254," the ministry underscored.