Kazakhstan: U.S's refusal to engage in dialogue over Syria is "unconstructive" - Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin labelled the United States' criticism of its air campaign in Syria as "unconstructive" during a meeting with the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Thursday, adding that "they refuse to engage in direct dialogue on such important areas as the political settlement." Putin stated that "the weakness of the US position concerning Syria is based, apparently, on the absence of any clear agenda on these issues," adding that "we nevertheless leave the door open and look forward to constructive dialogue with all parties to this complex process, including with our American partners." Nazarbayev also expressed his concern about the situation, stating that "what is happening in Syria is a common threat to us all, especially for Central Asia." The Russian and Kazakh leaders are expected to sign agreements on control over the Caspian Sea among others. On Friday, Putin will take part in two major gatherings of the Eurasian Economic Union and the CIS.