John Kerry to visit Russia next week to hold talks on ISIS

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Russia next week for talks with Russian leaders on the international efforts against ISIS, after Moscow began withdrawing most of its forces from the war-torn Syria.

Kerry will visit Moscow from March 22 to 25 to meet with Russian officials, the State Department spokesman, John Kirby said.

"They will discuss ongoing efforts of the International Syria Support Group to maintain the cessation of hostilities, provide aid and improve and expand humanitarian access, and facilitate a political transition in Syria, while also combating Daesh," Kirby said.

Kerry will also discuss Ukraine and the need for full implementation of the Minsk agreements, he said.

Moscow withdrew first of its forces from Syria on March 15, ending its controversial bombing campaign, as a new round of UN-backed peace talks seek to end the conflict now in its sixth year.