Damascus : The Syrian government on Monday said it is ready to exchange prisoners it has with kidnapped people in rebel hands.

The offer came in light of efforts exerted for the upcoming Syria talks in Astana on February 15-16, and the proposed swap could include the release of prisoners in Syrian jails in exchange for civilians and military personnel in rebel captivity.

The move came just days after a successful prisoner swap between the rebels and the government.

On Wednesday, over 40 women and children, who were abducted by rebels from the countryside of Latakia province three-and-half years ago, were set free in a swap between the government and the rebels.

--IANS