"Several airstrikes are not enough to [settle the conflict in] Syria. A plan of political transition is needed, which would lead to [Syrian President Bashar] Assad's resignation without leaving a power vacuum that may be filled by terrorists now. Russia's involvement can thus be very useful for political transition," Gentiloni told the Italian newspaper La Stampa.
The minister suggested focusing on "specific goals, humanitarian corridors, disuse of cluster bombs" along with discussions on political transition in Syria.
On Wednesday, Russia launched its first airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIL) militant positions in Syria at Assad's request.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the airstrikes carried out by the Russian jets disrupted IS' command system and logistics network and caused significant damage to the infrastructure used for planning terrorist acts in Syria and Iraq.
