(MENAFN) Syria’s connection with Russia holds critical strategic importance, as Damascus counts on Moscow’s support on the global stage, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told a media outlet.

In an interview released on Wednesday, al-Sharaa reflected on the current state of relations with Moscow following the collapse of Syria’s former administration, which had received Russian backing.

He emphasized that Damascus aims to avoid forcing Moscow to explore alternative approaches in handling the nation.

“We need Russia because it’s a permanent member of the (UN) Security Council,” he stated. “We need their vote to be on our side in some issues, and we have strategic interests with them,” al-Sharaa added.

Since assuming authority last December, al-Sharaa – previously the leader of the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which removed former President Bashar Assad – has embarked on multiple international visits to restore Syria’s relationships with global powers.

In October, al-Sharaa traveled to Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed him and highlighted the countries’ longstanding historical connections and cordial ties.

At the time, al-Sharaa asserted that Moscow would play a pivotal role in his nation’s transformation into a “new Syria” and pledged to honor all prior agreements.

Putin remarked that the diplomatic relationship between Russia and Syria “have always been friendly” since its inception in 1944. Al-Sharaa added that Damascus continues to “build on the many achievements” that joint cooperation has enabled.

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