Berlin, Dec 31 (IANS): German Chancellor Angela Merkel has asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to act with restraint and responsibility as the US decided to withdraw troops from Syria.

According to a statement by the German Chancellery, the focus of Sunday's telephonic conversation between the two leaders, was on Syria, Xinhua news agency reported.

Both sides stressed the importance of the UN-led political process to put an end to the conflict in Syria.

Although the the Islamic State (IS) has been pushed back, it remains a significant threat that needs further attention, the statement said.

Merkel appreciated Turkey's role, especially in accommodating Syrian refugees and expressed the expectation that Turkey would react with restraint and responsibility to the announced withdrawal of US troops from Syria.

The conversation came after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced on December 19 that it was planning to withdraw US troops from Syria.