Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani are continuing talks begun in Turkey, the Russian foreign minister said in Moscow on Thursday.
At a meeting with al-Shaibani in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated an invitation to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to join the first Russia-Arab League summit scheduled for October 15.
“The talks are expected to touch upon the current situation in Syria, as well as other regional and international issues. We consider your visit timely, as it is a continuation of a series of contacts that began in January this year, including telephone conversations between our presidents,” Lavrov said.
He stressed Russia’s special attention to the transitional processes in Syria, expressing hope that the Syrian people “will overcome all difficulties and return to a peaceful life.”
“I remember our meeting in Turkey, where we discussed the prospects for cooperation. Today we are continuing this conversation. We also hope that President Al-Sharaa will be able to participate in the first Russian-Arab League summit, scheduled for October 15,” he said.
Shaibani said that the current period is filled with “challenges and threats” for Syria, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong state.
“We want Russia to be with us on this path,” he said.
He described the relationship between the Russian and Syrian people as “historical in nature,” noting that “there are certain factors that define and complicate these relations.”
“Today, it represents a new Syria and we are interested in establishing appropriate interaction and relations between our countries – based on cooperation and mutual respect. We are working to fill the political and security vacuum,” he said.
Shaibani noted that the current Syrian government has managed to ensure the stable functioning of the security systems.
“We are now trying to overcome the challenges the government faces in light of recent events in our country and the broader regional situation,” he said.
Another task is the reunification of the Syrian people, both inside the country and abroad, he said.
