Top Russian and Turkish generals meet in Ankara

ISTANBUL – Turkey's state-run news agency says the Russian and Turkish chiefs of general staff are meeting in Ankara.

Anadolu said Gen. Valery Gerasimov and Gen. Hulusi Akar met Thursday afternoon at the General Staff headquarters following a greeting ceremony.

Turkish media said the two are expected to discuss the latest developments in Syria and bilateral cooperation.

Russia and the United States brokered a cease-fire that came into effect in Syria Monday evening calling for a halt to fighting between the U.S.-backed opposition and Russian-supported Syrian government.

Turkey and Russia suffered a roughly seven-month rupture in relations after Turkey shot down a Russian bomber in November just as tensions mounted over Syria, where Moscow and Ankara backed opposing sides in the conflict. The rift was repaired soon after July's failed coup in Turkey.