Moscow: Russia and Syria agreed on Thursday to form two committees tasked with reassessing previous agreements between the two countries and initiating a necessary dialogue informed by lessons of the past to help shape the future. During a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al Shibani - who is the first official from Damascus to visit Moscow since the fall of Assad regime last December - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to provide all possible assistance for Syria's reconstruction. He also noted that Syrian authorities ensured the security of two Russian bases along the country's coastline.

According to Qatar News Agency, Lavrov expressed hope that Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara would attend the first-ever Russia-Arab summit in Moscow on October 15, stressing the depth of ties between the two nations. For his part, Al Shibani emphasized Syria's desire for Russia to stand by its side within a framework of mutual respect. He noted that Syria is going through a period of significant challenges, but also great opportunities, and aspires to have Moscow as a steadfast partner.

Al Shibani stated that they are here today representing a new Syria - one that seeks to establish a sound and constructive relationship with Russia based on cooperation and mutual respect, underscoring the importance of a strong and unified Syria. Relations between Russia and Syria's new administration have cooled noticeably in recent months, largely due to Moscow's longstanding support for the Assad regime during the war. However, both sides since signaled a mutual willingness to renew bilateral ties - a shift reflected in this first high-level Syrian visit to Moscow since last December.