Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasr discussed ways to develop bilateral military-technical partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to an official statement published by the SANA news agency.
“Cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of defense is aimed at strengthening security and stability in Syria and the entire Middle East region“, the statement said. It added that the talks focused on “increasing the defense capabilities of the Syrian army through the modernization of military equipment and the introduction of modern developments, as well as the transfer of military-technical experience“.
SANA added that “special emphasis was placed on the strategic nature of cooperation in the military-industrial complex“.
The statement added that while discussing the latest regional and global developments, the parties stressed “the importance of political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow at international forums“.
The meeting discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries, projects for the reconstruction and development of economic infrastructure and attracting investment to Syria, the agency added.
“Expanding bilateral trade and partnerships with Russia aims to have a positive impact on the Syrian economy and contribute to improving living standards of the population“, the statement said.
The Kremlin press service has not yet announced any such contact.