Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has held his first talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow since ousting Russia's ally Bashar al-Assad 10 months ago. Putin spoke of the 'special relationship' between both countries. Sharaa suggested he would continue to allow Russia access to its military bases in Syria. He was also expected to ask for the extradition of Assad, who was granted asylum after fleeing to Moscow.
For years they were enemies, on opposing sides of a bloody civil war. Putin used brutal military force to prop up Bashar al-Assad. And Sharaa's armed Islamist group led the rebel offensive that eventually forced Assad from power. But on Wednesday, the Russian and Syrian leaders sat down together for the first time, putting pragmatism ahead of past enmity.
'Over the past decades, our countries have built a special relationship,' Putin said. He added that there were 'quite a few interesting and useful undertakings' on the agenda of their talks, and that Russia stood ready to 'do everything to fulfil them'.
Sharaa stated he aimed for Syria to re-establish its relations with all countries, 'chiefly with Russia'. He emphasized a vision for a 'sovereign Syria' characterized by territorial integrity and security. Their discussions highlighted the need for mutual respect and cooperation.
However, amid warm exchanges, underlying tensions persist, particularly regarding Assad’s status. Although Sharaa is likely to push for Assad’s extradition to face war crimes, Russian officials have indicated this may not happen, given their commitment to Assad's asylum for security reasons.
For years they were enemies, on opposing sides of a bloody civil war. Putin used brutal military force to prop up Bashar al-Assad. And Sharaa's armed Islamist group led the rebel offensive that eventually forced Assad from power. But on Wednesday, the Russian and Syrian leaders sat down together for the first time, putting pragmatism ahead of past enmity.
'Over the past decades, our countries have built a special relationship,' Putin said. He added that there were 'quite a few interesting and useful undertakings' on the agenda of their talks, and that Russia stood ready to 'do everything to fulfil them'.
Sharaa stated he aimed for Syria to re-establish its relations with all countries, 'chiefly with Russia'. He emphasized a vision for a 'sovereign Syria' characterized by territorial integrity and security. Their discussions highlighted the need for mutual respect and cooperation.
However, amid warm exchanges, underlying tensions persist, particularly regarding Assad’s status. Although Sharaa is likely to push for Assad’s extradition to face war crimes, Russian officials have indicated this may not happen, given their commitment to Assad's asylum for security reasons.
