Putin Hosts Syria’s al-Sharaa in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Moscow.

Putin stated that relations between Moscow and Damascus have always been friendly, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

He noted that in its relations with Damascus, Moscow has always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people.

"Our countries have developed special relations over many decades. We have maintained diplomatic relations for over 80 years, and they were established during the most difficult times for Russia and the Soviet Union, in 1944. During this time, relations between Syria and Russia have always been exceptionally friendly," Putin said.

Moscow has always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people in its relations with Damascus, said Putin, adding: "We in Russia have never let our relations with Syria be influenced by our political situation or special interests. Throughout all these decades, we have always been guided by one thing - the interests of the Syrian people."

He noted that Syrians studying in Russia will contribute to the development of Syria's statehood.

"Currently, over 4,000 young people in Syria are studying at higher educational institutions in the Russian Federation. I genuinely hope that they will make a significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the Syrian statehood in the future," Putin added.