Tehran, Oct 28 (IANS): Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is set to take part in an upcoming International conference in Vienna, aimed at exploring ways to end over four years of deadly violence in Syria.

“Based on invitation for Iran to participate in this summit, the foreign minister will be present in Vienna at the head of a high-ranking political delegation for talks on the situation in Syria,” Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham announced here on Wednesday, Press TV reported.

The Iranian delegates will also hold talks with their Russian and European counterparts on other issues of regional and international significance, Afkham added.

The invitation came after the US declared itself ready to engage long-time foe Iran if it might help halt Syria’s four-year civil war.

Iran is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad and has provided his government with military and political backing for years.