A Russian folkloric band welcomes the Syrian delegates of the Russian-backed Syrian talks in Sochi, Russia, Jan. 29, 2018. Russia has for some time been preparing for the Syrian talks in Sochi slated for 29-30 of this month, inviting 1,600 people to the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi for the Congress of National Dialogue aimed at resolving the years-long crisis in the Arab country. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)