The leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran say they have agreed on the need to take further steps to stabilize Syria's Idlib province.

Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Iran's Hassan Rouhani said after Thursday's talks in Sochi they agreed on the need to counter attempts by al-Qaida-linked militants in Idlib to expand their sway.

In September, Russia and Turkey struck a de-escalation deal on Idlib that averted a Syrian army offensive on the last remaining rebel stronghold. The agreement created a security zone free of heavy weapons to be monitored by Turkey, and Russia has since voiced concern about continuing attacks by the militants.

Erdogan said Turkey has worked ``extraordinary hard to preserve the calm in Idlib'' and expects the Syrian government to abide by the cease-fire.