Russia, Qatar discuss aid and power sector rehabilitation in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that Russia and Qatar are holding talks to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria and rehabilitate the country’s energy sector, though he did not specify the type of support under consideration.
Novak, who also serves as President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for energy affairs, led a high-level Russian delegation to Damascus that included representatives from several ministries, including the Ministry of Defense. During the visit, he met with Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior government officials.
In comments broadcast on Russian state television, Novak emphasized Moscow’s ability to leverage its extensive regional ties to assist the Syrian government. “I would like to stress Russia’s unique negotiating capacities, as we maintain contacts with Israel and all ethnic groups in Syria. We propose using this factor to stabilize the situation in Syria,” he stated.
He also said that Russia shares the Syrian government’s concerns regarding what he described as Israel’s “destructive” actions, including ongoing airstrikes on Syrian territory.
Novak added that his visit provided an opportunity to discuss all aspects of cooperation between Moscow and Damascus. He highlighted the significance of Syrian President al-Sharaa’s upcoming visit to Moscow to attend the Russia–Arab summit, describing it as an important step in bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Syrian state media (SANA) quoted Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani as saying, “Our relations with Russia are deep and have gone through stages of friendship and cooperation, but balance was not always present. Any foreign presence on our soil must serve the purpose of helping the Syrian people build their future.”
The visit comes amid renewed diplomatic activity in Damascus, where officials continue to seek international partnerships to address Syria’s deteriorating infrastructure and economic hardships.