On February 21, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Compatriots Abroad of the Syrian Arab Republic Faisal Mikdad, who is in Moscow on a working visit.
A detailed discussion of the development of the situation in and around Syria took place. Particular attention was paid to the tasks of further promoting a comprehensive settlement in the SAR on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The Ministers highly appreciated the significant contribution of the participants of the Astana process to efforts to stabilize the situation in Syria and create favorable conditions for overcoming the consequences of the long-term crisis in that country. They spoke in favor of continuing the vigorous work of this format, which has proven its effectiveness.
The importance of establishing a constructive inter-Syrian dialogue within the framework of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva and the early convening of the next, seventh session of its Drafting Commission was noted.
When discussing the humanitarian situation in Syria, the necessity of increasing international assistance to Damascus in the interests of early post-conflict reconstruction was emphasized. An exchange of views was held on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2585, which provides for a set of international humanitarian response measures, including the implementation of projects for the early restoration of the socio-economic infrastructure of the SAR.
The necessity of abandoning politicized approaches in the issues of humanitarian assistance to Syria and the use of illegitimate unilateral sanctions is emphasized. The focus on continuing active efforts to stimulate the process of returning Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of permanent residence was confirmed.
S.V. Lavrov and F.The Miqdad condemned Israeli strikes on civilian and military targets in Syria, which are a gross violation of the sovereignty of the SAR and carry the danger of destabilizing the Middle East region.
Serious concern was expressed over the growing terrorist threat emanating from areas beyond the control of the official Syrian authorities, where an illegal foreign military presence persists.
The Russian side welcomed the process of establishing relations between Syria and other Arab countries that is gaining momentum and spoke in favor of resuming the participation of the Syrian Arab Republic in the activities of the League of Arab States as soon as possible.
The Ministers discussed in detail topical issues of mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Syria and ways to expand it in various fields, confirming their mutual commitment to maintaining close foreign policy coordination.
In this context, a “reconciliation of hours” was carried out on international and regional issues of mutual interest.
