Shaibani says foreign presence must serve Syrians during meeting with Russian delegation

LONDON: Syrian and Russian officials met on Tuesday at the Tishreen Palace to discuss energy, defence and how to strengthen ties with the new leadership in Damascus following the ousting of former president Bashar Assad, Moscow’s longstanding ally.

The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who is the key figure for energy issues under President Vladimir Putin.

Novak met with Asaad Al-Shaibani, Syria’s minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, who chaired the meeting attended by several Syrian and Russian ministers.

Shaibani indirectly referred to Russia’s backing for Assad, to whom it provided substantial military support.

“Our relationship with Russia is deep and has witnessed periods of friendship and cooperation, but there has never been a balance. Any foreign presence on our soil must be aimed at helping the Syrian people build their future,” Shaibani said.