Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed the need to continue efforts to reach a political settlement to the crisis in Syria taking into account the Syrian National Dialogue Congress recommendations.

Putin made his remarks during a joint press conference with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday.

“Russia will continue working with the Syrian government and the opposition in the framework of the Astana process. This format of negotiations has proved its effectiveness and gives a significant result. We are ready for contacts with a so-called small group. Of course, we proceed from adherence to the principle of respect for the Syrian sovereignty,” Putin said.

Putin underlined the importance of forming the constitutional committee that has been agreed upon at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in Sochi and launching its work, welcoming Syria’s decision to send its delegation to the UN to take part in this committee.