The Kremlin called the start of negotiations between Putin and Assad

The Kremlin expects after 15:00 Moscow time the start of Russian-Syrian talks as part of delegations, and then talks between Russian and Syrian presidents Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“In the afternoon, the international part of the working day of the head of state, connected with the official visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, will begin in the Kremlin. We expect the start of Russian-Syrian talks as part of delegations after 15:00, after which there will be communication between the two presidents over a working breakfast. Although the second half of the day, but according to the protocol is called a working breakfast. The two presidents will talk face to face,” Peskov said.

Prior to this, Peskov refuted reports of the start of negotiations between Putin and Assad. Earlier, a number of media and Telegram channels reported that a meeting of the two leaders had begun in the Kremlin. In particular, Vesti and the Telegram channel “You were listening to the lighthouse” wrote about this.

Bashar Assad arrived to Moscow the day before, March 14. On the same day, the Kremlin announced the meeting of the presidents on March 15. It was reported that the topics for discussion will be the further development of Russian-Syrian cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as the prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria.

Earlier today, the Syrian leader laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden and honored the memory of the soldiers with a minute of silence, reported agency TASS. The ceremony was accompanied by the Military Exemplary Guard of Honor Band. A delegation of Syrian politicians and military also took part in it.

Putin last met with Assad in Moscow in September 2021. Then the Russian leader congratulated the Syrian president on his election victory. The heads of state also discussed the political situation in Syria, the fight against international terrorism and issues of humanitarian cooperation.