HIBAPRESS
Russian President Vladimir Putin received his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed Al-Shar’, in the Kremlin today, Wednesday, in an official visit considered the first of its kind since he assumed the presidency of Syria, after the former President Bashar al-Assad left the country and sought refuge in Moscow.
During the talks, Putin affirmed that cooperation between Russia and Syria would achieve positive results for both countries, noting that the bilateral relations between Moscow and Damascus extend for more than 80 years and are witnessing strong continuity.
The Russian President explained that his country is ready to enhance diplomatic coordination through the foreign ministries of both countries, pointing out that the Russian-Syrian joint committee will resume its work soon, adding: "We are ready to implement joint projects in multiple fields."
Putin also praised the recent parliamentary elections in Syria, considering them “an important success that enhances understanding between the various Syrian political forces”.
For his part, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar’ expressed his country's desire to redefine the nature of relations with Russia, while affirming full commitment to all previous agreements between the two countries.
Al-Shar’ said that Syria seeks to "present its new image to the world," stressing that Russia remains "one of the friendly countries with strong historical relations with Damascus."
Al-Shar’ had arrived earlier today in Moscow at the head of a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Muhrif Abu Qasra, and a number of economic and military officials.
The Kremlin stated that the talks will address the future of the two Russian bases in Syria, namely the Hmeimim air base in Latakia and the naval base in Tartous.
Reuters quoted a Syrian source as saying that the delegation seeks to obtain Russian guarantees not to support any attempts to re-arm forces loyal to the former regime, while Al-Shar’ hopes to obtain Russian support to rebuild the Syrian army.
A Syrian government source also told the French Press Agency that Al-Shar’ will request during the visit the handover of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia last December after the collapse of his regime.
It is worth noting that Moscow was the most prominent ally of Assad throughout his years in power, and it intervened militarily on his side in 2015, which helped him regain control of large parts of the country before the collapse of his regime in the end and his flight to Russian territories.
