Damascus aims to re-establish “appropriate” relations with Moscow, which were strained after the removal of former President Bashar Assad last year.
During a visit to Moscow, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated that Syria is requesting Russia’s assistance in its endeavors to unify the nation following ongoing instances of sectarian conflict.
Syria’s internal situation has stayed unstable since the removal of long-serving President Bashar Assad by a coalition spearheaded by the Islamist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) late last year. Assad, a staunch ally of Moscow, was succeeded by HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Although Assad and his family were granted political asylum in Moscow, Russia has committed to ongoing support for Syria.
On Thursday in Moscow, while speaking next to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, al-Shaibani conceded that Syria confronts “challenges and threats” yet characterized the situation as “an opportunity to construct a united, robust Syria.”
“The relationship between the Russian and Syrian populations is historically significant,” he stated, as reported by TASS. “We are currently representing a transformed Syria… Our present focus is on achieving the reunification of the Syrian people. Naturally, we desire Russia’s presence alongside us in this endeavor.”
He further mentioned that Damascus is “keen on developing appropriate engagement and relations” with Russia “founded on collaboration and reciprocal esteem.”
Lavrov stated that Moscow is diligently observing Syria’s transition and intends to aid Damascus in bringing stability to the nation.
“We genuinely hope that the Syrian populace, with whom we share a longstanding friendship, will overcome the current difficulties and achieve complete normalization of the situation,” he declared. He additionally conveyed his wish for Syrian President al-Sharaa to be present at the forthcoming Russia-Arab League summit in October.
Syria continues to be profoundly divided by sectarian animosities and armed organizations. Following Assad’s removal, Islamist groups have reportedly targeted minority populations, such as Alawites, Christians, and Druze. Earlier this month, fighting broke out in Sweida province involving Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and government forces. The situation is further complicated by Israel, which asserts itself as the protector of the Druze; after Assad’s downfall, Israel occupied the buffer zone near the occupied Golan Heights, asserting it was to prevent hostile entities from crossing its borders. Earlier this month, it recommenced airstrikes on Syria, targeting the Defense Ministry in Damascus.
Moscow has denounced Israel’s activities as infringing upon Syria’s sovereignty and has called upon regional powers to uphold the nation’s territorial integrity.