MOSCOW. July 22 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
"I am sure that together, we will ultimately defeat the forces of terror on Syrian soil. I would like to reiterate that the Russian side will continue to help the government and people of the Syrian Arab Republic protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensure its national security and post-conflict rehabilitation," Putin said in his greetings message to al-Assad published on the Kremlin website on Sunday.
Over decades, the two nations have gained considerable experience in bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, he said.
"Today Russia and Syria are allies in countering international terrorism and extremism," he said.
Russia proceeds from the understanding that further development of Russia-Syria ties is in the common interest of the two countries and help the consolidation of peace and stability at both regional and international levels, he said.
"I wish you good health and much success and I wish your compatriots the soonest return to a peaceful and prosperous life," Putin said in the message.