The United Nations has welcomed an agreement between the US and Russia for a ceasefire in southwest Syria and described it as a positive development. 

“I think this is a step in the right direction. I hope that other areas that were discussed can also see an agreement as soon as possible,” said the UN deputy special envoy for Syria, Ramzy Ramzy. 

He made the statement in the Syrian capital, Damascus, ahead of a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva. 

US officials said the ceasefire would go into effect at noon on Sunday. 

The announcement came after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit. 

The agreement marks a new level of cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Syria's neighbor, Jordan is also involved in the deal.