The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, had a useful meeting today in Damascus with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Walid Mouallem.

In the meeting, Mr. de Mistura outlined preparations currently underway for the intra-Syrian talks, to be held in Geneva starting 25 January, as per the statements adopted in Vienna by the International Syria Support Group and Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).

He had further exchanges with Mr. Mouallem relating to these preparations.

The Special Envoy is looking forward to the active participation of relevant parties in the Geneva talks.  He will be continuing his consultations in the region.