Syria, Russia launch 'new phase' in ties as al-Shibani meets Lavrov

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Aug 2025 05:18

Syrian FM Asaad al-Shibani meets Russian President Vladimir Putin and FM Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in what Damascus calls a "historic" visit.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, left, shake hands after a joint news conference following their meeting in Moscow, Russia, on July 31, 2025. (Pool Photo via AP)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shibani met Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, marking a pivotal shift in bilateral relations after the ouster of former president Bashar al‑Assad in December.

According to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting signaled the launch of a “new phase of political and military understanding” between the two longtime allies, now based on “mutual respect for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.”

Described by Syrian state media as “historic,” the meeting saw the Russian president reaffirm Moscow’s rejection of Israeli interference and partition efforts in Syria, and express commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction and stabilization.

“This meeting is a political milestone,” the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in remarks to Al-Ikhbariyah TV, emphasizing that Russian-Syrian relations are being recalibrated in a way that strengthens regional balance and helps reempower the Syrian state.

Syria seeks balanced partnership, warns against Israeli interference

Al‑Shibani affirmed Syria’s determination to reset its ties with Moscow on “new foundations that serve the interests of the Syrian people,” opening the door to what he described as a “balanced and forward-looking partnership.”

He said the new Syrian government remains committed to protecting all Syrians across sectarian and regional lines, while addressing the “legacy of the previous regime” through political and structural reforms.

The foreign minister also warned against growing Israeli provocations, which he said threaten to drag the country into deeper instability. He reiterated that Damascus remains open to all parties that respect its sovereignty and territorial unity, calling this the basis for any external cooperation moving forward.

Russia affirms readiness to support Syria’s recovery

Earlier on Thursday, Lavrov met with al‑Shibani and pledged full Russian support for Syria’s recovery, including in economic development and security stabilization. The two ministers announced the formation of bilateral committees to review and update agreements signed during the Assad era, including military and energy cooperation.

Lavrov stressed that national reconciliation was a prerequisite to sustainable recovery, urging Syrians to heal internal divisions and rebuild on inclusive foundations. He also welcomed Syria’s desire to maintain strategic ties with Russia, reaffirming Moscow’s long-term interest in playing a stabilizing role in the Levant.