Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem started an official visit to Russia Monday.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem started an official visit to Russia Monday.

Al-Moallem is hold talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on boosting bilateral relations and developments related to the mission of UN Envoy Kofi Annan, Syrian state agency SANA reported.

According to SANA, Russian political analysts stressed the importance of continued coordination and deliberations between Syria and Russia and the mutual work between the two countries to adopt balanced stances concerning a peaceful political solution to solve the situation in Syria.

They also indicated that Syria and Russia have expressed support to Annan's mission, while Western countries, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are trying to obstruct the mission and thwart political solution efforts.

Russia has been one of world powers to offer support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in settling the violence carried out by armed gangs, but has also backed the plan of UN envoy Kofi Annan to solve the situation.

AFP noted that the visit by the top Syrian official to Moscow coincides with the deadline under the Annan plan for the Syrian government to withdraw its forces from cities of conflict.