Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan have said they are hopeful that progress can be achieved in peace talks on Syria to be held later this month. <br/><br/>In a news conference after their meeting in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Monday, the two leaders said, they share the view that fighting in Syria has generally subsided. Putin said Russia's efforts with Turkey are yielding results. <br/><br/>He said violence has been reduced and favorable conditions are being created for progression to an inter-Syrian dialogue. <br/><br/>Erdogan said he and Putin have agreed to focus on a political solution to the conflict. Both leaders expressed expectations for peace talks to be held in Geneva later this month. <br/><br/>Representatives from the Assad government and the opposition forces are to attend the talks. Russia supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backs anti-government forces. The two countries have mediated a ceasefire deal in Syria between their allies.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump in a joint statement with Putin on Saturday urged the warring Syrian sides to take part actively in the peace negotiations.