President Bashar al-Assad expressed Syria’s appreciation for Russia’s stances in support of the Syrian people and the sovereignty and independence of nations, as well as the peoples’ right to self-determination which, he said, have consolidated its international role.
President al-Assad’s comment came during his meeting on Saturday with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov who is in Damascus on an official visit.
The President added that Syria is keenly interested in continuing coordination and consultations with Russia in the interest of the world and the region’s nations.
While highlighting the threat that growing terrorism and extremism in the region pose to regional and international security and stability, President al-Assad said this danger requires the synchronized efforts of all countries to counter it in every possible way.

Ryabkov, who conveyed to President al-Assad the Russian leadership’s congratulations for his win in June 3 presidential elections, said the vote has demonstrated the Syrian people’s commitment to their sovereignty and rejection of foreign meddling in their internal affairs.
The elections have, moreover, shown the Syrians’ support for President al-Assad and his policies, said the Russian official, affirming that Russia will continue to hold firm to its position in working as a friend and partner of Syria for “establishing security and stability in the region.”
Ryabkov applauded the Syria’s “immense efforts” for removing its chemical stockpile after having fulfilled its obligations in this regard “amid tough circumstances and a war it wages against terrorism,” a success that, he said, “attests to the Syrian government’s strength, firmness and credibility in delivering on its commitments.”