Al-Asrawi said in an interview with “Sputnik” radio, emphasizing the “necessity of adopting an objective and positive reading of the history of relations between the two countries.” He explained that “the invitation of the Syrian Foreign Minister, As’ad Al-Shaybani, to visit Moscow reflects a positive trend in reading the future of relations with a country that deserves respect.” On July 31st, Al-Shaybani confirmed during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the start of a new phase of political and military understanding between the two countries, based on respecting Syrian sovereignty and supporting the unity of Syrian territories. In late May, he stated, “Upon a kind invitation from my friend, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, we met with the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaybani, who received an invitation to visit Russia.”
