Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hopes the agreement will lead to a halt of military action in Syria’s last major rebel stronghold. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters the truce will take effect at midnight on Thursday. The leaders agreed to establish a secure corridor near the highway, running east to west through Idlib, and hold joint patrols along the road beginning March 15. Erdogan said Turkey reserves the right to retaliate with all its strength against any attack by Syrian forces.

Russia and Turkey agreed to help refugees return to northern Syria and said they will suspend military actions in the area.