Putin meets Syrian FM in Moscow as ties reset
Russian President Vladimir Putin received Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani at the Kremlin on Thursday, marking the first high-level visit from Syria’s new government since the ousting of longtime President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Earlier in the day, al-Shibani met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in what both sides described as a step toward reshaping the future of Syrian-Russian relations.
Al-Shibani said Damascus aims to establish a “correct and healthy” partnership with Moscow and is reassessing previous agreements signed under Assad’s rule. “We are here to represent the new Syria,” he declared, expressing hope for full cooperation in support of transitional justice and national reconciliation.
“There are great opportunities for Syria to emerge strong and united,” al-Shibani added, urging Russia to stand alongside the country as it rebuilds.
Lavrov welcomed the visit, saying Moscow looks forward to the participation of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the first Russia-Arab summit scheduled for October 15.
The two foreign ministers launched discussions on future cooperation, including economic recovery and regional stability. Al-Shibani described the dialogue as “strategic” and said Syria is “extending its hand to the world” after years of isolation.
In a veiled reference to the former regime, he noted that foreign relations had previously been misused against the Syrian people—a dynamic he said is now changing.
Security, economic cooperation on the table
Lavrov described the talks as “very useful,” adding that the Syrian delegation will continue meetings with various Russian authorities. He said the two sides discussed trade, security, and economic cooperation under the “new conditions,” and agreed to revive the Syrian-Russian joint committee to explore mutually beneficial projects.
Lavrov also emphasized that all matters related to military and security collaboration remain of high interest to Syrian officials.
On sanctions, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s long-standing position, calling for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, which he said have harmed ordinary Syrians rather than targeting political leaders.
He reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and cautioned against turning the country into a battleground for global power rivalries.
Military meetings
In parallel, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, Foreign Minister al-Shibani, and Intelligence Chief Hussein Salameh met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The two sides reportedly discussed joint military concerns to strengthen bilateral defense ties, according to Syrian state media.
The visit signals a shift in Syrian foreign policy under the new leadership and an effort to reposition Syria diplomatically after over a decade of civil conflict and international isolation.
