Lavrov Says Russia Will Keep Supporting Syria In Countering 'Terrorism'

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Russia and Syria agree that "terrorism" is the main threat to stability in the Middle East.

Lavrov, speaking on November 26 after meeting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Russia will continue supporting Syria in "countering this threat."

Lavrov also said that Moscow "condemns attempts to use terrorist groups to change the regime in Syria."

Moscow, a long-time supporter of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is trying to restart Syria peace talks that collapsed in February.

Moallem said that at earlier talks with Vladimir Putin, the Russian president reaffirmed his resolve to develop ties with Syria and Assad.

Moallem's visit comes amid calls by the Syrian opposition and Western countries for Assad to resign.

Russia has criticized the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State fighters in Syria as "inconsistent with international law" and insisted that Syria and Iraq should be empowered to fight terrorism.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax