Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met President Putin in Russia to discuss military partnerships, equipment modernisation and regional stability.
DAMASCUS: Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss enhanced military cooperation.
The meeting focused on strategic partnerships in military industries and defence capabilities, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra discussed political, military and economic issues of mutual interest with the Russian leader.
SANA reported the talks emphasised developing military and technical partnerships to strengthen the Syrian army.
This includes modernising military equipment, transferring technical expertise and cooperating on research and development.
The agency stated such cooperation would help “strengthen the national defence system and support security and stability in Syria and the region”.
Russia was a key ally of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad during the country’s nearly 14-year civil war.
It provided vital military support that kept his forces in power, including conducting air strikes on rebel-held areas.
The new Syrian authorities have made several visits to Russia since ousting Assad last December.
Russia has sheltered the former leader and his family since they fled advancing Islamist-led forces.
Tuesday’s discussions also covered expanding economic and trade cooperation.
This includes supporting reconstruction projects and encouraging Russian investment in Syria.
Moscow remains keen to build good relations with Syria’s new government.
A key Russian interest is securing agreements over its military bases on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
Russia continues to operate the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval facility.
