Moscow (TDI): In a significant diplomatic moment, Russia welcomed Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, to Moscow on Thursday, the first official visit by a representative of Syria’s transitional government since the ouster of longtime President Bashar al-Assad last year.
The meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Al-Shibani signals a shift in relations between Moscow and Damascus as Russia remained a constant supporter of Assad in the past.
At the start of Thursday’s talks, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s enduring ties with the Syrian people, “We sincerely wish the Syrian people, with whom we have a long-standing friendship, to overcome all the current challenges and fully restore stability,” he said.
Earlier this year, a Russian delegation visited Damascus, and President Putin spoke directly with Al-Sharaa in what the Kremlin described as a “businesslike” exchange.
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Despite their past alignment with Assad, Russian forces have remained stationed along Syria’s coast, and Moscow has continued sending oil shipments to support the new administration.
Al-Shibani thanked Russia for its consistent stance against Israeli airstrikes, which have intensified in recent weeks. He specifically referenced Israeli involvement in recent clashes between Syrian forces and armed Druze factions, accusing Israel of violating Syria’s sovereignty.
Lavrov, in a joint press appearance, acknowledged Syria’s efforts to protect Russian citizens and assets in the country. “We reaffirmed our commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Russia stands ready to assist in Syria’s reconstruction,” Lavrov stated.
Though Assad was not mentioned by name, Al-Shibani alluded to a new era of governance. He called on Russia to support a transitional justice framework and revealed that Syria is reviewing old agreements made under the previous regime.
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Al-Shibani was also candid about Syria’s evolving position in the region, especially in relation to Israel. “We’ve said from the very beginning that Syria does not harbor any hostile intentions toward Israel. We pose no threat. Our aim is solely to rebuild. This country has endured 14 years of war, we are tired,” he said.
Still, he accused Israel of complicating peace efforts by fueling internal divisions and undermining Syria’s image in the eyes of the international community.
“Some countries want a weak and fractured Syria. They want to portray the government as incapable of protecting minorities or ensuring security,” Al-Shibani warned.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
