Syria–Russia relations enter a new phase as senior officials hold talks in Moscow
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani announced on Wednesday that relations between Syria and Russia are entering a new era based on mutual respect, emphasizing Damascus’s commitment to reconstruction and balanced international relations.
The remarks came during a joint press conference in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Shaibani outlined the priorities of the coming phase, stating that Syria is continuing its reconstruction efforts with a purely national will and seeks to maintain balanced relations with all countries.
He also highlighted the government’s economic direction, noting ongoing efforts to attract investment to improve the country’s economic conditions.
For his part, Lavrov said that discussions with the Syrian delegation covered a range of issues, stressing the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity.
He added that the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various fields.
Earlier this week, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani and Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian officials.
SANA quoted the Information Department of the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as confirming the arrival of a delegation that included the foreign and defense ministers and officials from general intelligence, without specifying the duration of the visit.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit aims to hold talks with Russian officials, without providing further details.
These meetings come amid a broader shift in relations between Damascus and Moscow, which had previously been strained due to Russia’s support for the regime of ousted President Bashar al Assad and its decision to grant him and his family humanitarian asylum.
Following changes in Syria’s political landscape and the adoption of a more open foreign policy by the new government, relations between the two countries have witnessed a series of reciprocal official visits.
In the latest development, Syrian Foreign and Defense Ministers met President Putin in Moscow, discussing political, military, and economic issues of mutual interest.
According to SANA, the talks included a special focus on strategic cooperation in military industries, ways to develop military and technical partnerships, the transfer of technical expertise, and cooperation in research and development.
These steps aim to strengthen Syria’s national defense system and support security and stability in Syria and the wider region.
On the economic front, discussions addressed prospects for expanding economic and trade cooperation, supporting reconstruction projects, developing infrastructure, encouraging investment, enhancing trade exchange, and facilitating partnerships.
Syrian officials said these measures are expected to have a positive impact on the Syrian economy and contribute to improving living conditions across the country.
On October 15, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al Sharaa, made his first visit to Moscow since assuming office after the fall Assad’s regime, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin.
