Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov in Damascus who briefed him on the results of the summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.
Borisov reiterated Russia’s stance based on international legitimacy, adherence to international law, respect of the sovereignty of states, and non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Assad discussed with Borisov efforts to boost the bilateral cooperation, especially at the economic and investment levels.
The talks also addressed expanding the cooperation to include additional areas, such as energy, modern technologies, industry, and agriculture.
Assad expressed his satisfaction over the advanced level of cooperation between the two countries, indicating Syria’s keenness on ensuring the success of the Syrian-Russian joint investments, which plays a key role in the continuation and consolidation of the joint cooperation and serves the interests of the two peoples.
He stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination with the Russian allies, who supported Syria politically and economically.
He also praised Russia for helping restore security and stability in the country and overcome the impacts of the economic terrorism imposed on Syrians.
For his part, Borisov congratulated Assad on winning the presidential elections, noting that the wide popular participation confirmed the will and determination of the Syrian people despite the terrorism and siege they were subjected to.
The diplomat affirmed the Damascus-Moscow distinguished relations, expressing his country's readiness to support Syria in all fields in a way that contributes to alleviating the burdens resulting from the unjust economic sanctions.
He also expressed his country’s intention to supply additional batches of the COVID-19 vaccines to Syria.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is ready to discuss the humanitarian situation in Syria, noting that Western partners need to firmly stop unilaterally interpreting particular issues and recognize their responsibility for the overall situation in the humanitarian sphere.
Speaking at a joint press conference with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s interest in helping overcome the humanitarian challenges in Syria.
"We just need to keep in mind that [….] there are even more serious things from which Syrian civilians are suffering. I am talking about the stifling American Caesar Act, which is directly aimed at severing contacts that may help restore the infrastructure in Syria and improve the humanitarian well-being of its people; the illegal occupation by the US forces of the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, where hydrocarbons and other natural resources of Syria are being pillaged.”
He warned that the proceeds are used to finance projects that are perceived by many as "emboldening separatism" and provoking a "breakup of the single Syrian state."
