“We see how in the Astana format, which we all appreciate, new prospects and opportunities with positive impact on the region are opening up,” Lavrov added at a meeting with the foreign ministers of Syria, Iran and Türkiye.

According to the head of Russian diplomacy, it is essential to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their places of origin, and reestablish their lives.

“We look after the future of Syrian refugees and displaced people to a country that offers new, economically and politically stronger opportunities,” he assured.

Lavrov said that the European Union’s conference on Syria, scheduled for June 15, seeks to control the funds collected for “the maintenance of refugee camps and thus to count on keeping refugees out of Syria for as long as possible,” he added.

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