MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the pro-Turkish head of the Syrian regime, to discuss the current state and prospects of Russian–Syrian relations, including political coordination, trade, economic development, and humanitarian cooperation. The talks also covered the broader situation in the Middle East and regional security challenges.
The Russian delegation included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov. The meeting continued over a working breakfast, reflecting the depth of bilateral engagement.
Opening the talks, Putin noted that diplomatic relations between Moscow and Damascus date back more than 80 years, first established in 1944, during the final phase of World War II.
“Throughout this time, relations between Syria and Russia have always been friendly. We have always been guided by one principle — the interests of the Syrian people,” Putin said.
He stressed that Moscow’s policy toward Damascus has never been driven by opportunism or self-interest. Putin also highlighted the growing humanitarian ties between the two nations, noting that over 4,000 Syrian students are currently studying at Russian universities. He congratulated al-Sharaa on the October 5 parliamentary elections, describing them as an important step toward national consolidation.
Putin praised the work of the intergovernmental commission, which resumed operations in 1993 and now provides a foundation for new economic and infrastructure initiatives. He expressed appreciation for al-Sharaa’s reception of the Russian delegation led by Novak and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to expand energy, industrial, and humanitarian projects in Syria.
In response, Ahmed al-Sharaa said Syria was entering “a new chapter in its history” and hoped for active Russian involvement in rebuilding the country. He spoke of the “deep historical and material bridges of cooperation” between Moscow and Damascus and pledged to relaunch a comprehensive framework for bilateral relations.
The talks in Moscow underscored that Russia continues to view Syria as a key element of its Middle East strategy — not only a matter of geopolitical positioning, but also a symbol of the Kremlin’s consistent foreign policy, which, in Putin’s words, “does not bend under external pressure or circumstance.”
