The Syrian authorities have recognized Russia's weight in the Middle East

Syria is aware of Russia's significant influence and weight in the Middle East. This was announced on April 3 by the Minister of Economy and Industry of the SAR Nidal al-Shaar.

"We cannot deny that Russia is a great power with influence and weight in the world and in the Arab region in particular," he told RIA Novosti.

He expressed hope that the friendship between Syria and Russia will strengthen both at the government level and among the peoples.

In addition, the minister said that Damascus is developing a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of the country with the participation of friendly states. He added that the Syrian society is in the process of creating a new state, different from the previous one, open to everything that can benefit both Syria and its partners.

Ruble and a kind word: Syria's new authorities named a way to keep bases

Damascus wanted to "restore confidence" with concrete measures

On March 20, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the efforts of the Syrian leadership to stabilize the situation in the country as soon as possible. The Russian leader confirmed Russia's readiness to develop practical cooperation with the country's leadership on all issues on the agenda in order to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last December that Russia was interested in a dialogue with the new Syrian authorities. Moscow plans to discuss not only security issues, but also the regional agenda, he added.