Putin meets with Bashar al-Assad in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, RIA Novosti reported

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria January 7, 2020. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. – RC28BE98J49E

The talks between the Russian and Syrian heads of state were held in the Kremlin. Putin welcomed Assad’s arrival and congratulated him on his recent birthday. The Russian leader also commented on the results of the Syrian presidential election.

“And of course, already in a personal format – with a very good result of the presidential election. The results show that people trust you, and despite all the difficulties and tragedies of previous years, they still associate the process of recovery and return to normal life with you”, –  the Russian president said.

Furthermore, Putin noted that Assad was doing a lot to establish a dialogue with his political opponents and expressed hope that this process would continue.

“Only the consolidation of all forces in Syria will allow the country to stand on its feet and begin progressive development, movement forward”, –  the Russian leader stressed.