The Kremlin is hosting negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, who is in Russia on a working visit.
As reported by the Kremlin press service, the agenda includes the current state and prospects for the development of Russian-Syrian ties in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as the situation in the Middle East East.
“A special relationship has developed between our countries over many decades. For over eighty years we have maintained diplomatic ties, and they were established in the most difficult times for Russia and the Soviet Union – in 1944,” Putin said.
During this time, according to the President of the Russian Federation, “relations between Syria and Russia have always been extremely friendly character.”
“We in Russia have never had any relations with Syria related to our political situation or special interests. We have always, throughout all these decades, been guided by one thing – the interests of the Syrian people,” he emphasized.
Putin noted that the Russian Federation has really deep ties with the Syrian people, since “hundreds, and maybe thousands of people are connected by marriage and friendship.”
“And now over four thousand young people from Syria are studying in higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation. And I very much hope that in the future they will make a noticeable, significant contribution to the development and strengthening of Syrian statehood,” the Russian President continued.
The Russian leader also noted the success of the parliamentary elections held in Syria on October 5.
“I know that quite recently, on October 5, I think, parliamentary elections were held. I believe that this is your great success, because it leads to the consolidation of society, and despite the fact that Syria is now going through difficult times, it will still strengthen ties and interaction between all political forces in Syria,” he said.
Syrian The president makes his first official visit to Russia on Wednesday.