Syria and Russia Announce Formation of Joint Ministerial Committee to Deepen Economic and Political Cooperation
Syria and Russia Announce Formation of Joint Ministerial Committee to Deepen Economic and Political Cooperation
Syria and Russia announced on Wednesday the formation of a joint ministerial committee aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. The announcement came during an official visit to Moscow by a high-level Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Al-Shibani.
During a joint press conference in the Russian capital, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized his country’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Syria. He noted that both sides had agreed to review existing economic agreements and expedite the appointment of heads for the joint economic committees. Lavrov also reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to actively participate in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Lavrov welcomed the recent easing of some U.S. sanctions on Syria, describing the move as a positive step for the Syrian people. He reiterated Russia’s firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed opposition to the use of Syrian territory as a platform for geopolitical rivalries.
Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shibani described Syrian-Russian relations as being at a “historic turning point,” and expressed his country’s intention to build a strategic partnership with Russia. He stated that Syria is seeking international relations based on mutual respect and is fully committed to cooperating with Moscow on transitional justice and economic development.
Addressing internal Syrian affairs, Al-Shibani denied claims that the government had plans to target the Druze community. He affirmed that the Druze are an integral part of the national fabric and that it is the state’s responsibility to protect them. He also accused foreign actors, including Israel, of attempting to exploit the situation in Al-Suwayda Governorate to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, pointing to the presence of armed groups allegedly working to destabilize the region.
As part of the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin received Foreign Minister Al-Shibani and the accompanying delegation at the Kremlin, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international issues.
Separately, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra met with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov in Moscow. The two officials discussed prospects for military and defense cooperation, underscoring the ongoing strategic relationship between Damascus and Moscow.
