ANKARA / MOSCOW — Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discussed ensuring a lasting ceasefire in the Idlib region during talks in Syria, the Russian defense ministry said on Monday.

The two talked about Russia providing humanitarian aid to Syria and enabling the country’s economic recovery with the help of Russian specialists, as well as various aspects of military and technical cooperation.

Turkey and Russia carried out the second joint patrol in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, Turkish Defense Ministry said

Turkey, Russia hold 2nd joint patrol in Syria's Idlib

Turkey and Russia carried out the second joint patrol in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, Turkish Defense Ministry said.

The second joint patrol with Russian military on the key M4 highway in Idlib included land and aerial elements, as part of the deal agreed between Ankara and Moscow, said the ministry in a statement.

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The first joint patrol was conducted on March 15 as part of a cease-fire deal reached by Ankara and Moscow on March 5 to end an escalation of violence in Idlib.

The protocol includes the establishment of a security corridor stretching 6 km to the north and 6 km to the south of the strategic M4 highway, which links Syria's east and west.

READ MORE: Russian delegation to visit Turkey for talks on Syria's Idlib