Syrian foreign minister Assad al-Shaibani, during his first official visit to Moscow, emphasized the importance of Russia's support amid ongoing challenges facing Syria. He called for mutual respect and closer cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the need for Russia's presence as Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen itself. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to assist Syria in post-conflict reconstruction. The visit marks a shift in Syria's foreign relations following the ouster of its previous Moscow-backed president, with the new leadership seeking to maintain and deepen ties with Russia.