Syria is set to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) and the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).

"Applying to the common will and desire to establish relations in all fields, the Syrian Arab Republic decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Lugansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk Peoples Republic," an official source in the Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry indicated.

The official source noted that "communications will be held with both countries to agree on frameworks for enhancing relations, including establishing diplomatic relations in accordance with the well-known rules."

It is noteworthy that on February 22, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad stressed Damascus' support for the recognition of the LPR and DPR and its cooperation with the two Donbass republics.

Mekdad also affirmed the solidarity of the Syrian people with the peoples of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics.

The Lugansk People's Republic had announced that the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations handed over a humanitarian aid shipment from Syria and distributed it to the residents of the LPR.

The Syrian presidency affirmed its intention to build relations with the two republics in February.

Last month, the LPR Ambassador to Russia, Rodion Miroshnik, announced the start of talks with Syria, Venezuela, and other countries on recognizing the republic.

LPR ambassador to Russia: Syria’s recognition "not committed to paper yet"

Following the Syrian Foreign Ministry's statement, Miroshnik told TASS that Syria’s decision to recognize the independence of the DPR and LPR is wonderful but has not been formalized yet.

"All this is stipulated in the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. But it has not yet been signed. This is only an expression of Syria's wish. Which is wonderful," he pointed out, adding that "certain processes are underway, and it is better not to disrupt them. We are looking forward to the signing initiative."

Al-Assad receives Russia and DPR delegation

In mid-June, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad received a joint delegation from Russia and the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) headed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense, Dmitry Sablin, and DPR Foreign Minister, Natalia Nikonorova, SANA reported.

The joint delegation briefed Al-Assad on the situation in the Donbass region and the efforts exerted to return people to their cities after the situation in many areas has stabilized and reconstruction has begun. 

According to the news agency, the delegation members expressed their will to strengthen relations with Damascus in all fields, and the DPR Foreign Minister conveyed to the Syrian President a message from Donetsk President Denis Pushilin regarding this matter.

The delegation members also stressed the importance of establishing economic cooperation with Damascus, underlining that what DPR people encounter and fight for is similar to the Syrian people's case.

It is noteworthy that on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia's formal recognition of the independence of the DPR and LPR.