epa06341394 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) welcomes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R) during their meeting in the Black sea resoert of Sochi, Russia, 20 November 2017 (issued 21 November 2017). According to reports the two leaders met over talks focusing on the Syrian conflict. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT