Al-Moallem, Lavrov affirm commitment to boosting mutual relations

Damascus, SANA – Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed  commitment of Syria and Russia to further develop bilateral relations.

This attitude was expressed in two letters exchanged by the two officials on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Syria and Russia.

Lavrov stressed his country’s firm support to the Syrian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, in addition to its constant support for the Syrian people.

Al-Moallem expressed to his Russian counterpart pride over the high level of the exemplary relations between the two friendly countries, ascribing the stead continuity and improvement of these relations to the principled bases they are built on such as mutual respect, respecting international law and the UN Charter, and establishing a multi-polar world.

“The Syrian leadership and people appreciate the Russian historic stances under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin that support Syria in confronting the universal war launched against it by international and regional sides that blatantly ignore the UN Charter and the international law,” al-Moallem added.

He pointed out that Syria’s conviction of achieving victory is unwavering thanks to the steadfastness of its people and the support of its friends, Russia being foremost among them.

Al-Moallem stressed that the contemporary international reality and the huge current challenges make the growing role of Russia a pressing need as to establish a world where justice and peace prevail, adding that the world is very blessed with Russia’s effective role in the international arena as it defends the international legitimacy in the face of the attempts seeking to deviate the UN from its principles and Charter.

At the end of the letter, al-Moallem said “On this occasion, we reiterate our keenness on going forwards in our strategic relations with Russia in a way that would serve the interests of the two friendly countries and achieve regional and international peace and security.”

For his part, Lavrov expressed congratulations to Minister al-Moallem and to all the Syrians on this occasion, saying “The political, economic, and humanitarian relations between Syria and Russia are deeply rooted, and they have been growing successfully since the 1940s as Russia was one of the first countries that recognized Syria’s independence.

“We are sure that the traditions of friendship and mutual respect which have gained momentum during the past decades will go forward in supporting and consolidating the multi-faceted cooperation between Syria and Russia, and I hope to continue strengthening the cooperation in a way that would serve the interest of security and stability in the Middle East and solve the problems in the region according to the principles and rules of international law.”

Lavrov expressed firm support to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and to the Syrian people until they overcome the ordeals they face via comprehensive national dialogue and reforms without any foreign interference.