Russia officially welcomed the new Syrian government in a high-level meeting on Thursday, marking the first visit by a top Syrian official since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov received Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, in Moscow. Shibani is part of the government formed after Syrian rebel forces, led by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa, took control of Damascus in December.
Lavrov confirmed that Russia hopes President al-Sharaa will attend the upcoming Russia-Arab League summit in Moscow on October 15.
“Of course, we hope that President al-Sharaa will be able to take part in the first Russia-Arab League summit,” Lavrov said during the press conference.
Assad Gone, New Syria Seeks Russia’s Support
Bashar al-Assad, once a strong ally of Russia, fled Syria after his government was overthrown. He has since been given asylum in Russia, but Moscow has now shifted its attention to building a new relationship with the current leadership in Damascus.
Shibani said his visit to Moscow was focused on rebuilding ties based on past lessons and future cooperation.
“This trip is meant to start a necessary discussion … based on the lessons of the past, to formulate the future,” he said.
The two sides also agreed to form two joint committees that will review all past agreements between Syria and Russia. These committees will be responsible for updating diplomatic and strategic partnerships to match the new political reality in Syria.
Syria Asks Russia to Stand by New Government
Shibani expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to move forward, but he stressed the need for Russia’s support.
“There are many opportunities for a united strong Syria, and we hope Russia stands with us on this pathway,” he said.
At the joint press event, Lavrov expressed gratitude to Syria’s current leadership for protecting two Russian military bases inside Syrian territory. He also thanked them for backing Russia’s push to remove international sanctions on Syria.
In May, Lavrov warned that some radical groups in Syria posed a threat to the country’s religious minorities. Russia, he said, remains committed to preventing what he called “ethnic cleansing.”
Russia Shifts Focus After Assad’s Exit
With Assad no longer in power, Russia’s support for the new Syrian government signals a major shift in regional politics. Moscow is working to maintain its influence in Syria, even as the political landscape changes.
The Russian government has made it clear that it will continue to be involved in Syria’s future, especially through military cooperation and diplomatic backing.
This meeting between top officials shows that Russia is ready to adapt, no longer tying its foreign policy in the region to one man, but to the country as a whole.
