Russia Lavrov invites Syria's interim president to Moscow
At a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaybani in Moscow, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov promised the country reconstruction aid following the civil war. At the same time, he invited interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
31.07.2025, 14:27
SDA
"We expect that President al-Sharaa will be able to attend the first Russia-Arab League summit, which will take place on October 15," said Lavrov in his welcoming address. It is the first visit by a minister from Syria's transitional government since the fall of the Kremlin-backed ruler Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia after fleeing Syria.
Lavrov recalled the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. He hoped for a rapid normalization of the situation in Syria, he said, referring to the recent clashes between Druze and Sunni tribal groups in the country.
According to Foreign Minister al-Shaybani, Damascus is striving for a new phase of bilateral relations based on cooperation and mutual respect. It is determined to establish a healthy and sustainable partnership between the two states, he said. According to the Syrian state agency Sana, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Kasra was also present during the visit to Moscow.
Military bases important for Moscow
Moscow is particularly interested in maintaining its military bases in Syria, which the Kremlin had built up under Assad. The port of Tartus in particular has long served as a hub for Russia's involvement in Africa. Negotiations on the future of the bases and the Russian soldiers remaining in Syria are to continue.
