Syrian Visit by Russian Delegation
A Russian diplomatic delegation has made its inaugural visit to Syria following the recent leadership change in Damascus last month. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that the recent power transition in Damascus "will not change the nature" of Russian-Syrian relations.
Following the first Russian diplomatic visit to Syria since the leadership change, Bogdanov emphasized that Moscow and Damascus are committed to maintaining their historically stable and mutually beneficial partnership. He led the Russian delegation in discussions with Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the newly established head of the Syrian administration, on Tuesday. The meeting included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa, and representatives from various Russian government agencies.
Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, assumed de facto leadership of Syria last month after his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadist group launched a surprise offensive on Damascus, resulting in former President Bashar Assad fleeing the country.
In comments to RTN Arabic after the talks, Bogdanov noted, “We confirmed the fundamental immutability of relations between our countries, which are strategic in nature and aimed at preserving the unity and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
The discussions encompassed Russia's ongoing military presence in Syria, although Bogdanov indicated that no specific agreements were reached. He stated, “As far as we know, the status of Russian facilities in Tartus and Khmeimim has not changed yet, and an agreement was reached to continue an in-depth dialogue on various aspects of cooperation between our countries.”
Moscow is willing to assist Syria in stabilizing the country and tackling economic and social issues. Bogdanov mentioned that the new administration in Damascus had displayed “understanding and attention” to Russia's stance.
The talks also addressed trade, economic relations, and Russia's involvement in various infrastructure projects in Syria, which were built during the Soviet era, including power plants and dams. In a statement to Al Arabiya News last month, al-Sharaa reinforced the importance of the relationship, asserting, “We don’t want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with the country.”
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Following the first Russian diplomatic visit to Syria since the leadership change, Bogdanov emphasized that Moscow and Damascus are committed to maintaining their historically stable and mutually beneficial partnership. He led the Russian delegation in discussions with Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the newly established head of the Syrian administration, on Tuesday. The meeting included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa, and representatives from various Russian government agencies.
Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, assumed de facto leadership of Syria last month after his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadist group launched a surprise offensive on Damascus, resulting in former President Bashar Assad fleeing the country.
In comments to RTN Arabic after the talks, Bogdanov noted, “We confirmed the fundamental immutability of relations between our countries, which are strategic in nature and aimed at preserving the unity and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
The discussions encompassed Russia's ongoing military presence in Syria, although Bogdanov indicated that no specific agreements were reached. He stated, “As far as we know, the status of Russian facilities in Tartus and Khmeimim has not changed yet, and an agreement was reached to continue an in-depth dialogue on various aspects of cooperation between our countries.”
Moscow is willing to assist Syria in stabilizing the country and tackling economic and social issues. Bogdanov mentioned that the new administration in Damascus had displayed “understanding and attention” to Russia's stance.
The talks also addressed trade, economic relations, and Russia's involvement in various infrastructure projects in Syria, which were built during the Soviet era, including power plants and dams. In a statement to Al Arabiya News last month, al-Sharaa reinforced the importance of the relationship, asserting, “We don’t want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with the country.”
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
