Putin makes surprise visit to Syria, discusses security situation with Assad

7 Jan, 2020 14:01 / Updated 31 seconds ago

Get short URL

© Instagram / syrianpresidency 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to Syria, holding talks with his counterpart, Bashar Assad, at the Russian military command center.

Putin “rode through the streets of Damascus” on his way to the command center, where he headed after landing at the city’s airport, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said. 

The Russian president met with Assad there as the two leaders listened to reports by military officials on the conditions on the ground in various regions of the country. Russia has been assisting Syria in the fight against terrorists since 2014.

© Syrian President’s press-service

During their meeting, Putin told Assad that “the signs of peaceful life are visible to the naked eye on the streets of Damascus,” Peskov said.

He also pointed out that it can now safely be said that “a huge distance has been passed on the way to restoring Syria’s statehood and territorial integrity.”

© Syrian President’s press-service

Assad thanked Putin and the country’s military for the support in restoring peace in the country.

The Russian leader is scheduled to visit several other venues during his Syria trip, Peskov added without revealing any details.

Putin last visited Syria in 2017 when he inspected the country's Khmeimim Air Base in the western Latakia Province.