MOSCOW, December 2. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, discussed the situation in Syria following the terrorists' sortie with Syrian Ambassador to Moscow Bashar Jaafari and reaffirmed support for the Syrian government, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the meeting, which was held at the ambassador's request.

"The parties discussed the dangerous escalation of the situation in Syria concerning the terrorist sortie of armed groups in the northwest of the Syrian Arab Republic," the ministry said. "Russia expressed its solidarity with the government of Syria and its people, reaffirming its strong support for the efforts of the SAR authorities to stabilize the situation in the country," the diplomatic department added.

The parties also emphasized "a principled and unwavering position in favor of the need to respect the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria." Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia continues to support Syrian President Bashar Assad, maintains communication with Damascus, and observes the situation in the country.