Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 24, 2024. The meeting, which was not announced in advance, marked their first in-person encounter since March 2023.During the talks, Putin expressed concern about the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. He stated, “We have the opportunity to talk about the entire complex of our relations… I’m interested in your assessment of the situation in the region as a whole, which, unfortunately, has a tendency to escalate”.Assad emphasized the significance of the meeting, noting that it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria. He highlighted the importance of discussing current global and regional developments, as well as potential scenarios and perspectives.The two leaders also addressed bilateral relations, including prospects for developing trade and economic ties. Putin mentioned that there are promising directions in this area.This meeting comes at a time when Russia is reportedly seeking to mediate tensions between Syria and Turkey. There have been reports of a possible meeting between Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Russia in August 2024.Russia has been a key ally of Syria, having supported the Assad regime through military intervention since 2015 during the country’s civil war. While Russia has shifted its focus to Ukraine in recent years, it still maintains a military presence in Syria.
Key points
- Putin and Assad met in Moscow on July 24, 2024, their first in-person meeting since March 2023.
- The leaders discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and bilateral relations.
- The meeting coincided with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria.
- Russia is reportedly seeking to mediate tensions between Syria and Turkey.
Contradictions👾There is a discrepancy in the reported date of the meeting.
Most sources state it occurred on July 24, but one source mentions it happened on Wednesday night with images released on Thursday.
