Putin: Russia Planning To Reinforce Syrian Army
Local Editor
Russian President Vladimir Putin uncovered his country's "medium-term" plans to reinforce the Syrian army in its battle against foreign-backed terrorist groups.
Speaking at a live question and answer session with citizens in the Russian capital on Thursday, Putin said the reinforcement of the Syrian army would allow Russian troops in Syria to return to their home bases.
Russia's air force, however, will continue helping Syria where necessary, Putin said, even though he expressed his keenness for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria.
"We aim to establish a process of a political settlement [in Syria] between all the sides involved," he said.
Besides, Putin made clear that the Russian army had gained "priceless" experience in Syria, testing state-of-the art weapons in real combat, while the counter-terrorism campaign had allowed the country's experts to polish weapons designs.
Putin further expressed Moscow's resolve to re-engage with the US on several pressing international issues, including arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, combating poverty and climate change.
In this respect, Putin mentioned that the 2015 landmark nuclear accord with Iran nuclear is "a positive example of our cooperation" with Washington.
"This means we can negotiate and work together. The Syrian issue, the Middle East issue - it's obvious to everyone that nothing will be achieved without our constructive dialogue," Putin said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Russian president said said Western sanctions had forced Russia to "switch on our brains and talents" to reduce dependence on energy exports, adding his country had climbed out of recession despite the restrictive measures.
The sanctions have only made Russia stronger, Putin said in his nationwide call-in which came on the same day the US Senate voted overwhelmingly to punish Russia for alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Russia has responded to the sanctions by halting most food imports from the West.
According to Putin, Russia is recovering from the fallout of the US sanctions, saying the "crisis is over." He cited low inflation and rising currency reserves and modest economic growth over the past few months.
If "our partners lift the sanctions against our economy, we will respond in kind," he said further.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
Comments
- Related News
Moscow: Talks with US Unlikely
4 months ago
Russia Warns Its Nationals Against Traveling To US
5 months ago
