Russian President Vladimir Putin said that thanks to the joint efforts of Russia and Syria, significant progress has been made in the fight against international terrorism.
"We are in constant contact and our relations are developing. Thanks to our joint efforts and the decisive contribution of the Russian armed forces in Syria, significant results have been achieved in the fight against international terrorism," Putin said Wednesday as he received Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin.
The Russian president stressed that the results achieved provide "an opportunity to stabilize the socio-economic and domestic political situation."
Putin expressed regret that the Syrian people "are facing another very serious problem, a catastrophe - an earthquake." "This, of course, exacerbates the situation. But we, as true friends, are trying to support you," he said, referring to his counterpart.
The Russian leader recalled that units from the Russian Ministry of emergency situations were working in Syria after the disaster happened. The president added that Russian troops in Syria are also doing their part to help deal with the aftermath of the disaster.
From the Russian side, the talks were also attended by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Construction and Housing Minister Irek Faizullin, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Assistant to the President for International Affairs Yuri Ushakov and Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS