Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's deputy foreign minister and special envoy to the Middle East and North Africa region, has arrived in Damascus, Syria, alongside his ministerial delegation. 

Speaking to RT, Bogdanov said that "Russia is keen on the unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as achieving reconciliation and social peace in the country."

The visit, according to the Russian official, aims at strengthening historical relations between the nations based on common interests.

Two Syrian sources said that Bogdanov was scheduled to meet Syrian officials in the new administration this week in Damascus, in the first visit by Russian officials since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, according to Reuters.

The delegation, which includes the Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Syrian Settlement, Alexander Lavrentiev, is expected to hold talks with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani.

Syria pressured to sever relations with Russia

This comes after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Qatari counterpart Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the situation in Syria a few days ago, expressing their support for preserving its sovereignty and stability, within the framework of a comprehensive settlement process that benefits all Syrians.

Syria's new leadership faces mounting pressure from Western nations to sever ties with Moscow in exchange for easing economic sanctions. European officials have reportedly linked the lifting of sanctions to Syria distancing itself from Russia.

However, Syria's leadership has so far resisted calls to cut ties with Moscow. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the transitional government, previously affirmed Syria's strategic partnership with Russia during an interview with Al Arabiya, calling Russia "the second most powerful state in the world" and highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

Speaking to the Saudi state news channel, al-Sharaa said that the new Syrian leadership does not wish for Russia's presence in Syria to end "in a manner that is inconsistent" with their longstanding bilateral relationship.

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