(MENAFN) Anas Al-Abdah, president of the Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC), has emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations between Syria and Russia, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking to RT International on Monday, Al-Abdah, whose group represents Syrian opposition forces, expressed that the future of Syria-Russia relations should be guided by the common benefit of both nations and their peoples.

Founded in 2015 under the UN’s mandate, the SNC’s role has been to oversee negotiations between Damascus and opposition groups. Al-Abdah's comments came after a coalition of opposition factions, including Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham and US-backed Free Syrian Army fighters, captured Damascus over the weekend, prompting President Bashar Assad and his family to flee to Russia for asylum.

Al-Abdah highlighted the need for Syria to rebuild, stating that more than half of the population is displaced and much of the country's infrastructure has been destroyed. With 80% of the city of Homs in ruins, he stressed that Syria requires international support and efforts to expand its circle of allies while minimizing enemies.

The SNC leader also pointed out Russia’s strategic significance in the region, both politically and militarily. Despite the shift in power in Syria, militant groups that took control of the capital have pledged to respect Russia's military presence in the country, particularly at the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval facility, which have been key points of Russian involvement since 2017.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the unexpected developments in Syria but stated that it would take time for Moscow to engage in meaningful talks with the new authorities.

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