Lavrov: We Hope for al-Shara's Attendance at the First Russian-Arab Summit in Moscow

SadaNews - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia's hope for the attendance of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara at the first Russian-Arab summit scheduled to take place in Moscow next October.

Lavrov's statement came during his reception of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his accompanying delegation in Moscow today, marking the first visit from a Syrian official at this level since the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Lavrov said at the beginning of the meeting: "We hope that the Syrian people will overcome the challenges, and we look forward to a visit from Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara to Russia."

He added: "Russia hopes for a full return to normalcy in Syria."

On his part, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani stated: "Syria looks forward to establishing correct and sound relations with Russia based on cooperation and respect."

The Syrian minister remarked: "We want correct and sound relations with Russia based on mutual cooperation and respect."

He continued: "We are going through a challenging phase, but there are great opportunities for Syria, and we aspire for Russia to stand by our side."

He added: "There are some governments that disrupt the relationship between the new Syria and Russia, and we are here to represent the new Syria. We wish to open a sound and correct relationship between our two countries and aspire for Russia to be by our side in our path."

He said: "Since December 8, we have been working to fill the political vacuum and we have been able to maintain state institutions."

He continued: "Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin announced that Minister Lavrov will discuss with his Syrian counterpart al-Shibani in Moscow the bilateral relations and the regional situation."

He pointed out that the talks will give special attention to ways for Syria to exit the difficult situation it is experiencing.

He added: "It is essential to consider the interests of all national segments, sects, and ethnic groups as a prerequisite for Syria to move on the path agreed upon by the Syrian people."