Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Wednesday he wanted to 'redefine' relations with Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted him in their first meeting since key Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted last year.

Moscow

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Moscow for the first time since taking power, receiving a warm welcome from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes after al-Sharaa ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, who was previously supported by Russia and now resides in Moscow.

Talks between the two leaders centered on redefining bilateral ties, with Syria seeking economic support and energy cooperation to aid reconstruction, while Russia aims to maintain its military bases in Syria. Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria's independence and sovereignty, while Russia views its relationship with Damascus as key to expanding influence in the Middle East and Africa.

Syria's Sharaa seeks to 'redefine' ties with Russia

The two leaders were once on opposing sides of the war in Syria, but on Ahmad al-Sharaa's first visit to Russia since coming to power in a lightning offensive last December, the Syrian president was given a warm welcome by Vladimir Putin. Dear Mr President, dear colleagues, we are very pleased to welcome you to Moscow. Our countries have developed a special relationship over many decades. That special relationship, though, was forged with Bashar al-Assad, whom Russia helped support militarily against rebels from 2015, and who was later granted asylum in Moscow when he was toppled by al-Sharaa last year. Damascus wants Moscow to hand over Assad to face trial over alleged crimes against Syrians, a request Putin is unlikely to grant. But there is room for agreement in other areas. For Syria, energy cooperation and economic concessions are priorities as it rebuilds its war-shattered country, while Moscow wants to keep its bases in Syria, a naval base in Tartus and an air base that are crucial for maintaining Russia's military presence in the Mediterranean. We are linked by a number of things, including a part of Syrian food which comes from Russia, as well as our energy which relies on Russian expertise. We also have strategic relationships both regionally and internationally. We respect our common history and will uphold our previously signed agreements. We are trying to redefine our relationship with Russia, emphasising the independence and sovereignty of Syria, our territorial integrity and our national security that is connected to international security. Ties with Damascus are also important for the Kremlin as part of its efforts to expand Russia's clout in the Middle East and Africa, while Russia offers al-Sharaa a way to diversify Syria's foreign policy as it steers the country in from international isolation.

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Beijing

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Washington

Ukraine Invasion

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Balochistan

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Chicago

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Caracas

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Antananarivo

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Thousands of messages shared in a group chat of Young Republicans are revealing some racist thoughts that even they worried about being leaked. The exchanges obtained by Politico are part of a Telegram chat among Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont. Jason Beeferman, New York state politics reporter for Politico, joins with more.

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Sharm El-Sheikh

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Paris

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Chaman

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Breakdown