"Damascus remains Moscow’s reliable partner and ally both in the Arab world and in the international arena," Russian President Vladimir Putin told a ceremony of accepting credentials from 17 new foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Iran PressEurope: "Syria is our reliable partner and an ally in the Arab world and in the international arena in general. Russia helped the Syrian people in their hour of need to defend their sovereignty and independence in the face of aggression from international terrorists," Putin said.

Putin recalled Syrian President Bashar Assad’s visit to Moscow in March, which took place within the framework of friendship, mutual understanding and mutual respect. As the Russian president pointed out, the talks brought about crucial agreements on boosting bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.

The Russian leader emphasized that Russia would continue to assist Syria in its efforts to rebuild the regions hit by the devastating earthquakes, and would also help to normalize the domestic political situation.

"Soon after the devastating earthquake in February, Russia extended a helping hand to the Syrians, by sending over experienced rescuers and humanitarian supplies. We will continue to support our Syrian friends in dealing with the aftermath of the natural disaster and, certainly, we will contribute to normalizing the domestic political situation in the Syrian Arab Republic in full."

According to the president, Russia will also facilitate Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction and improve ties with neighboring nations.

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