Syria calls for more balanced partnership in talks with Russian delegation

10/9/2025 7:14

Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said on Tuesday that ties with Russia should develop into a more balanced partnership as the two countries enter a "new stage" of cooperation.



Speaking at Tishreen Palace in Damascus during talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, al-Shibani called relations with Moscow "deep, marked by friendship and cooperation," but said they had lacked balance in the past.



"Any foreign presence on our land must aim to help the Syrian people build their future," he said, adding that Damascus welcomed cooperation with Russia in reconstruction, energy, agriculture, and health "on a fair and transparent basis."



Novak said the talks focused on bilateral cooperation in key sectors and described the current stage as historic. "Relations between our two peoples will be built on mutual respect," he said, expressing hope for further growth.