Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 24, 2024, for discussions that lasted approximately three hours. The primary focus of their talks was the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.Putin expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the region, stating, ‘Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, which we can see. This applies directly to Syria’. The discussions encompassed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.The meeting also addressed the potential for enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Syria. Putin noted that there were ‘promising directions’ in this area, highlighting the importance of economic ties in their bilateral relationship.A significant topic of discussion was the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations between Syria and Turkey. There have been reports of a potential tripartite meeting involving Assad, Putin, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm whether this was specifically discussed during the Putin-Assad meeting.Both leaders emphasized the significance of their long-standing relationship, with Assad noting that the meeting coincided with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria. Assad stated, ‘Russia and Syria have gone through difficult periods from the past to the present, and this meeting is important for discussing all details, expectations, and scenarios in light of the events happening in the world and the Eurasian region’.This meeting marks the continuation of Russia’s role as a key ally to Syria, with Russian military intervention in the Syrian conflict dating back to 2015. While Russia has shifted much of its focus to Ukraine in recent years, it continues to maintain a military presence in Syria.
Key points
- Putin and Assad met in Moscow to discuss escalating situation in the Middle East.
- The leaders addressed potential restoration of Syria-Turkey diplomatic relations.
- Both emphasized the importance of their 80-year diplomatic relationship and economic cooperation.
- The meeting lasted about three hours and covered a wide range of regional issues.
Contradictions👾While most sources indicate that the meeting focused on the Middle East situation and bilateral relations, one Russian source (Российская газета) claimed that Ukraine was not mentioned in the discussions.
