Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met today, Tuesday, September 9, with a Russian delegation headed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak at Tishreen Palace in Damascus.

During the meeting, al-Shibani described Syrian-Russian relations as “deep, having gone through stages of friendship and cooperation, though lacking balance.”

The Syrian side included Presidential Secretary-General Maher al-Sharaa, Syrian Intelligence Chief Hussein al-Salama, Chief of Staff Ali al-Nassan, and the ministers of economy, industry, health, and finance, alongside representatives from other ministries.

The Russian side was represented by Construction and Housing Minister Irek Fayzullin, in addition to officials from 14 Russian ministries, including defense and foreign affairs.

Al-Shibani addressed recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, calling them a direct threat to regional stability.

Earlier in the day, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the Russian delegation would meet with several Syrian officials for talks covering the economy, security, defense, and politics.

Al-Shibani added, “We inherited from the defunct regime heavy files, most notably the chemical weapons issue, which tarnished Syria’s global image.” He stressed that Syria “closed the chapter of denial and evasion, and cooperated with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.”

A meeting at Tishreen Palace in Damascus brought together senior Syrian officials, headed by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak – September 9, 2025 (Syrian Foreign Ministry).

He also said that any foreign presence in Syria “must serve the Syrian people in building their future,” in reference to Russian bases in Syria’s coastal region.

Russia maintains two main bases in Syria: the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province (western Syria), the Tartus naval base on the Mediterranean, and an additional airbase in al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria).

The Syrian foreign minister welcomed cooperation with Russia in reconstruction, energy, agriculture, and health, on a “fair and transparent” basis.

He added that “the more Syria stabilizes, the more avenues of cooperation open for everyone, while weakness increases the chances of chaos and terrorism,” noting that Russia’s “explicit support” for Syria’s new course would serve both the country and the wider region.

Russia offers mediation with Israel

Deputy Prime Minister Novak said the development of ties with Syria is under the direct supervision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling Syria “a promising state in the Middle East” and emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation.

He added that in this new historic stage, relations between the two peoples would be based on mutual respect, expressing hope that they would continue to grow in the interests of both nations.

Novak said Moscow attaches “special importance” to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s upcoming visit to Russia to participate in the Arab-Russian summit, and reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also offered to use Russia’s ties with Israel to facilitate negotiations, voicing concern over the talks taking place under continued Israeli strikes.

Novak: “We attach importance to President al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow” – September 9, 2025 (Syrian Foreign Ministry).

On July 31, al-Shibani visited Moscow, where he met his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, followed by a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in what the Syrian Foreign Ministry described as a “historic” encounter.

In a joint press conference, both sides announced a review of previous economic agreements.

Lavrov expressed his country’s desire to intensify dialogue with Damascus, saying, “We agreed to cooperate in overcoming challenges and stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence.”

He added that Russia rejects attempts by some parties to destabilize Syria or use it as an arena for settling scores, noting that the steps announced by President Ahmad al-Sharaa would help the country overcome its crisis.