Overview
- The visit represents the inaugural meeting between Russia and Syria’s interim government since Bashar al-Assad’s removal
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised to uphold Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and provide post-conflict reconstruction aid
- Asaad al-Shibani urged Russia to back Damascus’ transitional justice process and to scrutinize legacy agreements signed under Assad
- Syrian officials praised Moscow’s rejection of Israeli strikes and voiced concerns over Israeli interference in Syria’s internal disputes
- Russia has maintained a military presence on Syria’s coast and reportedly resumed oil shipments to support the new administration