Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday congratulated Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the fact that parliamentary elections were held earlier this month and said Moscow was ready for stronger ties with Damascus.

Putin made the comments at the start of a meeting with Sharaa in the Kremlin.

The visit to the Russian capital is Sharaa's first since coming to power after he toppled Moscow's ally Bashar al-Assad late last year.

In his turn, Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa told Putin that Syria will respect all past agreements.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (OCTOBER 15, 2025) (RUSSIAN POOL - Access all)

1. SYRIAN PRESIDENT AHMED AL-SHARAA WALKING UPSTAIRS IN KREMLIN

2. AL-SHARAA AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN SHAKING HANDS, TAKING SEATS

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"Dear President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you in Moscow."

4. AL-SHARAA LISTENING

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING (CONTINUES OVER VARIOUS SHOTS):

"I am thankful to you for welcoming our delegation from various departments that was headed by deputy Prime Minister (Alexander) Novak. Many interesting and useful initiatives were voiced. From our side, we are ready to do everything to implement them as well as regular contacts and agreements via foreign ministries. We are very glad to see you."

6. MEETING IN PROGRESS

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, AHMED AL-SHARAA, SAYING (CONTINUES OVER VARIOUS SHOTS):

"There are historical ties and there are also bilateral relations and common interests that connect us, many things connect us. Much of Syria’s food supply relies on Russian production, and numerous power stations depend on Russian expertise. Many strategic and political relations, both regional and international, are closely linked to Russia. We respect all past agreements and this rich history, and we are working to redefine the nature of these relations."

8. PUTIN LISTENING, TAKING OFF HEADPHONE

9. PUTIN AND AL-SHARAA AT MEETING