Syria’s leader, Russia’s Putin make first contact since al-Assad’s fall

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has spoken to Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa for the first time since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, discussing the strategic ties between the two countries and Syria’s openness to all parties. Putin extended an official invitation to Syria’s Foreign Minister to visit Russia, emphasizing support for the unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Moscow is seeking to secure its naval and air bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, while Syria’s interim government has formed a preparatory committee for shaping the country’s future with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.

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