Mikdad, Lavrov affirm necessity of combating terrorism, ending illegitimate foreign presence on Syrian territory

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Faysal Mikdad, discussed Thursday with Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, various aspects related to enhancing the distinguished bilateral relations between the two friendly countries at all political and economic levels which witnessed a new momentum through the recent summit held between Presidents Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow

The two ministers stressed the need to move forward in developing those relations and expanding them in various domains. The talks tackled the situation in Syria with both ministers underlining the need to continue fighting terrorism until it is completely eliminated, ending the illegitimate foreign presence on Syrian territory and removing unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria

In this context, Minister Lavrov affirmed his country’s principled stance, based on full respect for Syria’s sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity, and non-intervention in its domestic affairs.

In turn, Minister Mikdad expressed Syria’s appreciation for the Russian support in various political, economic and humanitarian fields

The two sides also discussed developments in the region and welcomed convening the first Ministerial meeting of “the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations “held today in New York