The Syrian Arab Republic (SAR) decided on Wednesday to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, a spokesman for the Syrian MFA said.
"Embodying the common will and desire to establish relations in all spheres, the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Lugansk People's Republic (LNR) and the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR)," the statement of the foreign ministry quoted by the SANA Syrian news agency reads.
The statement indicated that "contacts will be established with each of the two countries [the LNR and DNR] to agree on a framework for strengthening relations, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in accordance with established norms."
On June 16, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced during a meeting with a DNR delegation that he had officially started the procedure for recognizing the DNR. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would welcome the recognition of the DNR and LNR by Syria or any other countries.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Bernard Gagnon/Creative Commons
Based on materials TASS