Gatilov reiterates Russia’s support to Syria in face of terrorism

Moscow, SANA –Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, stressed his country’s support to Syria and the Syrian people in face of terrorism, stressing the necessity of uniting the efforts exerted by the international community to counter terrorism.

Meeting Syria’s Ambassador in Moscow Dr. Riad Haddad, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria, Gatilov said, “Our relations during the past 7 decades have been consolidated in all political, economic, social and cultural fields,” adding that Russia has always supported the Syrian people in their struggle.

For his part, Ambassador Haddad stressed that this anniversary enjoys special value in the heart of every Syrian citizen, congratulating the Russian leadership and people on this occasion.

In an interview to SANA correspondent in Moscow, Gatilov said, “Relations between the two countries are good and historical and so they were throughout tens of years and they will remain in spite of all difficulties Syria is suffering from.”

Gatilov pointed out that the presidential elections in Syria have been held in a normal way which affirms the state of stability, considering the new presidential term of President Bashar al-Assad will contribute to solving all issues which are still pending in Syria.

On assigning new UN envoy to Syria, Gatilov said, ” Staffan de Mistura is an experienced politician who worked for long years in the UN and was a UN envoy to several countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan which are hot areas… we hope that he would take balanced steps and search for viable solutions to the crisis in Syria.”

In a similar interview, Chairman of the Russian-Syrian Friendship Association, Alexander Dzasokhof, pointed out that President al-Assad’s speech stressed on the values and visions about the situation in Syria which is the country of steadfastness against any aggression and called on the Syrian people who have made very important victories to enhance their unity in the upcoming stage and rebuild the homeland, asserting that Russia will remain standing by the Syrian people.

F.Allafi