Damascus, Moscow Discuss Russia's Possible Contribution to Restoration of Syria, Government Says

© Getty Images / Ercin Erturk/AnadoluAn aerial view of the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, during sunset on January 23, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.
An aerial view of the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, during sunset on January 23, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 29.01.2025
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for talks with the country's new leadership. This is the first visit by Russian officials after Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria.
The Russian delegation and the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussed Moscow's possible contribution to the reconstruction and restoration of Syria, the new Syrian authorities said on Wednesday.
"The Russian delegation, led by Special Representative for the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov, met with the new Syrian administration in Damascus ... The dialogue revealed Russia's role in restoring trust in relations with the Syrian people through tangible measures such as compensation, reconstruction and restoration," the Syrian government said in a statement on Telegram.
The parties also discussed the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as mechanisms for ensuring justice during the transitional period, the statement added.
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Damascus emphasized its intentions to interact "with all interested parties," the statement read. Al-Sharaa reportedly noted that "restoring relations" between Syria and Russia should "heal the mistakes of the past," become a manifestation of respect for the will of the Syrian people, and serve their interests.
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Bogdanov also noted that the talks lasted about three hours and were constructive.

"The meeting went well overall. It lasted three hours, including a formal dinner. The conversation was conducted mainly by the head of the new administration of the interim Government of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani also participated in the negotiations, and Minister of Health Maher al-Sharaa, who is Ahmed al-Sharaa's older brother, and our interdepartmental delegation were present. The meeting was generally constructive, and the atmosphere was good. But we understand how difficult the situation is [in the country]," Bogdanov said.

Trade and economic cooperation were discussed at the meeting in Damascus, the diplomat said.

"We also discussed issues of trade and economic relations. With the help of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation, important infrastructure facilities were created in Syria, especially hydropower facilities, and our help was in providing energy, fertilizers, grain, and food. All this has been done, and we are ready to continue in accordance with the agreements already reached with the new Syrian authorities. We are determined to build mutually beneficial cooperation with Syria," Bogdanov said.

The Russian side emphasized their principled approaches, highlighting unwavering support for the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Syria, the official added.
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