US, Russia to Focus on Common Interests, Syria Peace Deal Despite Disagreements

According to the US president, Washington and Moscow try to focus on common interests, such as ending the conflict in Syria, despite deep disagreements on other issues.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Washington and Moscow try to focus on common interests, such as ending the conflict in Syria, despite deep disagreements on various other issues, US President Barack Obama said during a press conference on Tuesday.

"I think we’ve already got a lot differences with Russia on a whole bunch of issues, but I think that we’ve been able to try to stay focused on those areas where we still have a common interest, understanding that we have deep disagreements on issues like Ukraine, but perhaps we have an interest in bringing an end to violence in Syria," Obama told reporters.

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. It does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front, both outlawed in many countries, including Russia.

US Department of State deputy spokesperson Mark Toner welcomed Russia’s efforts to defeat Daesh in Syria.

Both Washington and Moscow have been conducting military operations against terrorists in the war-torn country. The US-led international coalition of more than 60 members has been carrying out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq and Syria since August and September 2014 respectively. Russia began its own operation in September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.