Russian chief Vladimir Putin hailed continued pleasant relations between his nation and Syria on Wednesday as he met Syrian transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow – regardless of sheltering the deposed Bashar al-Assad in Russia.
Putin mentioned that Syria was experiencing tough occasions, however the latest parliamentary elections had strengthened cooperation amongst all political forces there.
He added that the victory of the pro-presidential bloc was a significant success because it contributed to the consolidation of society.
The journey marks the primary official go to by al-Sharaa to Russia since he assumed workplace final December, after main a insurgent alliance that toppled former ruler al-Assad after years of civil warfare.
Russia was one of many nation’s closest allies beneath al-Assad. The previous president fled to Russia after his ouster, the place he and his household had been granted asylum.
Based on Syrian safety sources, al-Sharaa deliberate to ask Putin throughout his go to to extradite al-Assad. Al-Sharaa is accompanied by International Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra.
The Kremlin made no point out of this developing within the close to three-hour talks, however Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged that Russia was able to take part in Syria’s reconstruction.
“Humanitarian deliveries had been mentioned, and the Syrian aspect is especially inquisitive about provides of wheat, meals and drugs,” Novak instructed the Russian information company Interfax.
A joint fee between the 2 governments is to be established for commerce and financial cooperation.
“At this time, we additionally mentioned particular tasks within the fields of power, transport, growth of tourism infrastructure, well being care and the cultural-humanitarian sphere,” Novak added.
Russian bases in Syria a sizzling subject
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had introduced earlier than Wednesday’s assembly that Russia’s army bases in Syria can be mentioned.
Putin, who had supported al-Assad militarily for years in his combat in opposition to the present rulers, intends to maintain Russia’s bases in Syria.
The port in Tartus is Russia’s solely base on the Mediterranean coast and due to this fact strategically important.
Moscow has additionally used the Khmeimim airbase south-east of the town of Latakia for its bombers and helicopters.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged that Syria respects all agreements made with Moscow.
“We keep shut relations with Russia, and a big a part of the Syrian power sector depends on Russian experience,” mentioned the interim president.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the Kremlin in Moscow. Sergey Bobylev/Kremlin/dpa
