Putin holds first phone call with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, the Kremlin announced on Telegram.
According to the statement, Putin wished Sharaa success in dealing with the “challenges” facing Syria and highlighted the longstanding “ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries.
He also “reaffirmed” Russia’s “principled stance in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” and “reiterated Russia’s commitment to helping improve Syria’s socioeconomic conditions, including ongoing humanitarian aid efforts.”
Additionally, the two leaders reportedly discussed cooperation in trade, the economy, education, and other areas. The Kremlin characterized the conversation as “constructive, businesslike, and substantive.”
Russia and the new Syrian authorities have already held negotiations, but not at the presidential level. In late January, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov visited Syria. During the talks, Syrian officials called on Russia to acknowledge its “past mistakes,” pay compensation, and take part in the country’s reconstruction. After the meeting, Bogdanov said there had been no changes regarding the status of Russian military bases in Syria.
In February, Murhaf Abu Qasra, the defense minister of Syria’s transitional government, said the new Syrian authorities would be willing to keep the Russian military bases if it “serves Syria’s interests.”
