Putin Holds First Call with Syrian President, Wishes New Leadership Success in Tackling Challenges

Kremlin Issues Statement on Telegram
Syrian Presidential Office Responds

The Kremlin stated in a Telegram message on the 12th, "President Putin wished President Alshara success in addressing the challenges faced by the new leadership for the benefit of the Syrian people." Photo by Kremlin Telegram capture

The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Interim President Ahmed Alshara held their first phone conversation on the 12th (local time).

In a statement on Telegram that day, the Kremlin said, "President Putin wished President Alshara success in addressing the challenges faced by the new leadership for the benefit of the Syrian people."

The Kremlin added, "The Russian side emphasized its principled position in supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Syrian state."

It was also reported that President Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to help improve Syria's socioeconomic situation, including through humanitarian aid, and that the two leaders agreed to remain in contact.

The two countries also discussed a range of issues, including trade, the economy, and education. In particular, it was noted that they exchanged views in light of recent negotiations held during the Russian government delegation's visit to Damascus, the capital of Syria.

The Syrian presidential office also released a statement, saying, "During the call, President Alshara emphasized that the two countries maintain a strong strategic relationship, and that Syria's open stance toward all parties contributes to the interests, security, and stability of the Syrian people."

The Syrian presidential office further stated that President Putin expressed Russia's readiness to review agreements previously signed with the former Bashar al-Assad regime, and that he invited Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Al-Shibani to Russia.

The agreements between the two countries mentioned by President Putin appear to refer to the contracts signed during the height of the Syrian civil war in 2017, under which Russia leased the Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base in Syria for 49 years from the Assad regime.

President Alshara came to power after leading the Islamic rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in ousting the Assad dictatorship in December last year, and was appointed interim president of the transitional government established by the rebels last month.

Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war in 2015 to help former President Assad maintain his regime. While Russia has allowed Assad's exile, it seeks to maintain its naval and air bases in Syria and is working to establish relations with the new government.