Russia and Syria Discuss Developments in Bilateral Relations and Regional Issues

Moscow, 23 Sep (KUNA) -- Russia and Syria discussed on Wednesday the developments in their bilateral relations and regional issues, with a focus on unresolved crises along the Syrian borders, and affirmed their commitment to continuing communications and coordination at various levels and in multilateral forums.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that the discussions took place during a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shibani, on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The ministry added that both sides discussed issues related to the development of Russian-Syrian relations, including maintaining regular political dialogue and expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields. They also agreed to continue communications at all levels, including in multilateral forums.

It clarified that the meeting also addressed several regional issues of mutual interest, with a focus on unresolved crises along Syria's borders.

The ministry further noted that Lavrov expressed at the beginning of the meeting his country's satisfaction with the possibility of continuing mutually beneficial cooperation with Syria, emphasizing the importance of sustaining dialogue between the two countries.

In the same context, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Wednesday that Russia continues its communications with the Syrian side, expressing Moscow's satisfaction with the course of negotiations with Damascus.

Peskov affirmed that Russia hopes to reach an understanding on the "most difficult issues" through the ongoing communications between the two sides.

Peskov's remarks came in response to questions regarding the future of Russian military bases in Syria, following statements by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressing Damascus's desire to achieve full sovereignty and the absence of any foreign military bases on its territory.

The Russian-Syrian meeting comes amid diplomatic activities on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings, as Moscow and Damascus continue to discuss the future of their bilateral relations, regional issues, and arrangements concerning Russia's presence in Syria.

(End) D.A.N. / A.S.