Presidents al-Sharaa and Putin support Syria’s unity, describe relations as deep

President Ahmad al-Sharaa and President Vladimir Putin of Russia described as deep the Syrian-Russian relations, supporting efforts to regain the unity and territorial integrity of Syria to help enhance stability and development in the country and the entire region.

Putin: Russian-Syrian relations develop in light of new conditions

During a meeting held at the Kremlin on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said, “We are pleased to see you again in Moscow since our last meeting. We have done a great deal of work to revitalize bilateral relations and boost economic cooperation. Trade has grown by 4 percent, which is not the level we aspire to, but it is a step in the right direction. We are working to develop relations in all areas, and we discussed this with you.”

“Syrian-Russian relations are deeply-rooted, in 1944, during World War II, the Soviet Union and Syria signed relevant agreements. Relations between our two countries have been good throughout history, and today, under the new circumstances and thanks to your personal efforts, Russian-Syrian relations are developing,” Putin said.

He added that the economic aspect constitutes a crucial pillar of bilateral cooperation, indicating that numerous other issues are under discussion.

“We are taking advantage of your visit today to discuss these matters, as various ministries and agencies are working successfully and actively. Following your previous visit, the joint ministerial delegation visited Damascus and worked diligently with their Syrian counterparts. Several promising initiatives are planned in the fields of economy, culture, sports, and construction.” President Putin affirmed.

Putin went on to say that his country is ready to contribute to reconstruction efforts, particularly in the housing and construction sector, adding that Russia is aware of the significant amount of infrastructure that needs rebuilding, and the Russian housing and construction sector is prepared to participate in this endeavor.

As for developments in Syrian Al-Jazira region, President Putin emphasized Russia’s support for the unity of Syria, saying, “We support your efforts aimed at restoring the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, and we congratulate you on the success of this process. We have always supported and continued to supporting the unity and integrity of Syria, and we hope that the return of al-Jazira region to Damascus will be an important step in this direction, contributing to the complete restoration of Syrian territorial integrity.”

President al-Sharaa: Russia is partner in supporting Syria’s unity and regional stability

For his part, President Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of Syrian-Russian relations and their remarkable development over the past year, noting Russia’s role in supporting Syria’s unity and stability, in addition to its contribution to strengthening security and stability throughout the entire region.

“I am very pleased with this visit. I believe it is the thirteenth visit between Russian and Syrian delegations in the past year, and tomorrow will mark a full year since the first Russian delegation’s visit to Syria after the new era in Syria,” President al-Sharaa said.

He added that there are many topics between the two sides, and “we did not discuss them in detail during this fruitful meeting.”

The President pointed out that Syria has taken important steps over the past year and overcome numerous obstacles, the most recent of which was the challenge of unifying Syrian territory.

“Russia’s positions over the past year have been supportive of Syria’s territorial integrity, and it has a role in the unity and stability of Syria, and not only Syria, but the entire region. We hope these efforts will continue so that the Middle East region can achieve greater stability and development, and we can move from a state of devastation and destruction to one of stability and development,” President al-Sharaa said.

The President also noted the historical symbolism he observed on his way to the Kremlin, saying: “On my way from the airport, I saw large amounts of snow on the road to the Kremlin, and I was reminded of history and how many military campaigns some parties attempted to reach Moscow. The courage of the Russian soldiers and nature played a role in defending this land.”

President al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for an official visit to hold talks with his Russian counterpart on bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

The President was accompanied by a delegation comprising Secretary-General of the Presidency, Maher al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Defense Minister, Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra.