It's a surprise visit. Russian President Vladimir Putin went to Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, January 7, to meet Bashar al-Assad.
"During his conversation with Assad, Putin pointed out that today, we can see with certainty that an immense road has been traveled towards the restoration of the Syrian state and its territorial integrity," said the porter. - speech of Russian President Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian agencies, after Vladimir Putin's first visit to the Syrian capital since the start of the war.
The two heads of state attended a presentation by the commander of the Russian forces engaged in Syria, according to the presidency, who posted photos of the two men sitting side by side and shaking hands.
In recent years, Vladimir Putin has already visited Syria at the military base in Hmeimim (northwest), the largest available to Russia in the country at war. With the support of Russia, but also of Iran, its two great unwavering allies, the power of Bashar al-Assad has multiplied the victories against the rebels and the jihadists, to the point of reclaiming two thirds of the country.
The conflict in Syria, which started in March 2011 with the suppression of pro-democracy protests, has turned into a complex war involving jihadist groups and foreign powers. It has killed more than 380,000 people and millions of displaced and refugees.
With AFP and Reuters
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