Russia, Turkey and Iran initiated a discussion in Astana on measures to preserve cultural heritage in Syria, said a joint statement adopted after the talks.

“They initiated discussion of the international community’s measures of assistance for preservation of cultural heritage in Syria, including the creation of an atmosphere of trust between the parties and other topics related to the problem of finding a political solution to the crisis,” said the text of the joint statement of three countries read by Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov, RIA Novosti reported.