The visit of a Syrian government delegation to Moscow signals the new leadership’s commitment to opening lines of communication with Russia following the change of power in Damascus, writes the Syrian newspaper Al Watan, commenting on the bilateral talks held in the Russian capital on July 31.
“Damascus considers it important to maintain close and stable relations with Moscow in the period ahead, grounded in mutual respect and shared interests,” the paper notes. “Syria’s leadership is pursuing a wise and balanced policy aimed at changing the model that previously characterized relations with countries like Russia under the former regime.”
According to Al Watan, the delegation’s trip to Russia represents the most significant development in bilateral ties since Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed leadership in Damascus. “This visit sends a clear message that the new Syrian government is seeking to move beyond the legacy of 14 years of war and take on a more constructive, effective role in the international community,” the paper emphasizes.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani led the delegation to Moscow on July 31, which also included Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, intelligence chief Hussein Salama, presidential office secretary general Maher al-Sharaa, Foreign Ministry advisor Ibrahim al-Olabi, and the minister’s chief of staff, Muhsen Mahbash.
This is the first official visit by representatives of Syria’s new authorities to Russia. The delegation held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and met with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The visit concluded with President Vladimir Putin receiving the Syrian delegation at the Kremlin.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: anjči/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS