(VOVworld) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the need for closer coordination on Syria's cessation of hostilities in a phone call on Wednesday.

U.S. Foreign Secretary John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) go for a handshake before their bilateral talks in Munich, Germany, February 11, 2016, ahead of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting. (Photo: Reuters/ Michael Dalder)

Mr. Kerry emphasized the need for progress toward political transition in Syria, the importance of maintaining the cessation of hostilities, and the need for more aid activities. The US State Department confirmed that Kerry will travel to Russia next week to discuss the Syrian crisis, US-Russian ties, and the Ukrainian conflict.

The same day, US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner said the US will continue to closely follow Russian troop withdrawal from Syria. He added that violence has significantly decreased in the past few days and the cessation of hostilities is being respected.