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US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the United States and Russia were "very pleased" with the progress made in destroying Syria's chemical weapons.
And he offered some rare US praise for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Kerry, speaking at a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said the Assad government deserved credit for its speedy compliance so far with the UN security council resolution calling for the elimination of the weapons.
He noted that, just over a week after the security council and the international chemical weapons watchdog acted, experts had started the process of destroying the stockpiles.
"I think that was a terrific example of global co-operation, of multilateral efforts to accomplish an accepted goal and they have moved with equal speed to get on the ground in Syrian and begin the operations," he said.
"I think it is also credit to the Assad regime for complying rapidly as they are supposed to.
"We hope that will continue.
"I am not going to vouch for what happens months down the road. But it is a good beginning and we should welcome a good beginning."
Mr Lavrov said the Assad regime was co-operating fully.
He made the point the Western and Arab-backed opposition must also comply and ensure that chemical weapons not fall into the hands of extremists.
Russia has accused the opposition of being behind the August 21 chemical weapons attack.
"The responsibility is not only on the Syrian government but also on the opposition and all the states in this sphere should of course not allow these weapons to fall into the hands of non-state actors," Mr Lavrov said.
Both Mr Kerry and Mr Lavrov said they continued to make progress on preparations for an international conference on a transitional government.
Mr Lavrov said the Syrian government has agreed to participate and urged the US and other supporters of the opposition to convince President Assad's foes to attend.
The opposition is splintered and has been unable so far to produce a delegation that could go to Geneva.
