According to the Russian ambassador to Syria, Alexander Efimov, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Damascus, the countries have been "allies, partners and friends in all spheres of life."
“In both Russian and Arabic there is a proverb which is the same in meaning:“ a friend is learned in trouble. ” Eight years ago, a terrible misfortune came to Syria - international terrorism, merciless to everything that goes beyond the rigid framework of fanatical ideology, ”he said, noted that Russia did not remain indifferent, as befits a true friend.
On March 19, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, visited Syria. There, as stated in the Ministry of Defense, he held talks with Syrian leader Bashar Assad, to whom he conveyed a message from the Russian president.
Bashar Asad also highly appreciated the efforts of the Russian side aimed at the return of refugees to the country.