ALGIERS, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and Russia on Thursday agreed to continue supporting a political solution in Syria.

Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a joint press conference with his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel in Algiers that "Algeria and Russia agreed on the need to resolve the Syrian crisis according to the UN Security Council regulations and respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria."

He noted that they also agreed on the importance of putting an end to the terrorist presence on Syrian soil, improving the humanitarian situation, the return of Syrian refugees and supporting the path of political solution.

"We have briefed our Algerian partners on Russia's efforts with Turkey and Iran on Syria, both with regard to the Astana talks and with representatives of the United Nations," he said.

Lavrov also hailed Algeria's efforts to resolve the crisis hitting neighboring Libya and Mali.

On Thursday, Lavrov held talks with top Algerian officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, about bilateral cooperation and the situation in Syria and Libya.

The Russian top diplomat is set to leave Algeria late on Thursday as he is due to visit Tunisia and Morocco.