Cooperation with Russia is in the interests of Syria, and it is part of the new government's efforts to build relations with other countries, Interior Minister Ali Kaddah told Sputnik.
"Cooperation with Russia is in the interests of Syria and is part of the government's efforts to build strategic relations with other countries that would contribute to maintaining regional and international stability," Kaddah said.
In addition, the minister emphasized that "relations with Russia as a major power with international weight will help protect the interests of the Syrian people in the international arena."
Speaking about the negotiations regarding the presence of two Russian bases on the Mediterranean coast in Syria, Kaddah said that they are still ongoing; the results will be announced immediately after their completion.