British PM: Turkey-Russia influence vital in Astana

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said Turkey and Russia's influence is "vital" to ensure the cease-fire in Syria, in a press conference with her New Zealand counterpart Bill English on Friday.

The statements came as two leaders held a press conference after a working lunch they had discussing wide range of issues including security and threats.

Speaking about the situation in Syria, May has emphasized the importance of the role both Turkey and Russia played, and expressed her support.

"Welcome the fragile cease-fire agreed last month. It is vital that Russia and Turkey use their influence to ensure the cease-fire is fully implemented and so create the right conditions for talks in Astana later this month," she said.

On Dec. 30, a cease-fire -- brokered by Turkey and Russia -- went into effect across Syria after being agreed to by the Syrian government and opposition.

"We support these efforts to return to negotiations because the only way to end this terrible conflict is to achieve transition to a genuine and inclusive political settlement."

Negotiations to reach a political resolution to the six-year war in Syria are due to begin in Astana between the Syrian government and opposition on Jan. 23. Following last month's Syria cease-fire deal, the Astana meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts by the two countries to promote a political solution in war-torn Syria.

Syria has been locked in a devastating civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests – which erupted as part of the Arab Spring uprisings – with unexpected ferocity.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have been killed and millions more displaced by the conflict.