President Bashar al-Assad expressed Syria’s appreciation for Russia’s stances in support of the Syrian people and the sovereignty and independence of nations, as well as the peoples’ right to self-determination which, he said, have consolidated its international role.

President al-Assad’s comment came during his meeting on Saturday with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov who is in Damascus on an official visit.

The President added that Syria is keenly interested in continuing coordination and consultations with Russia in the interest of the world and the region’s nations.