Secretary Kerry met today in Zurich with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss Syria, Ukraine, and other issues of mutual concern.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed plans for the UN-led negotiations between the Syrian parties on January 25 and the importance of maintaining progress toward a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria.

Secretary Kerry pressed for Russia to use its influence with the Asad regime to ensure immediate, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all Syrians in need, especially those in besieged areas such as Madaya, in compliance with UNSCR 2254 and as agreed by the ISSG in New York in December.

On Ukraine, they discussed how to accelerate the full implementation of Minsk commitments, including the urgent need to restore the ceasefire and allow full OSCE access.

Finally, they discussed the importance of a strong and united international response to North Korea’s nuclear test in defiance of Security Council resolutions