MOSCOW, March 3. /TASS/. Syria’s preferences concerning the presidential election in Russia are obvious as Damascus supports the man who was capable of rebuffing terrorism in the republic, Syrian President Bashar Assad said.

"If we look at Russia as a country, which along with us is fighting against terrorists in Syria, naturally, this topic is important for us and we cannot take it as exclusively our domestic issue. The man who made the decision to counter terrorism in Syria is important for us," he said in an interview with the Soloviov Live television channel.

According to Assad, Putin’s decisions return Russia to the global arena and restore balance. "Looking at this topic from the point of view of global landscape of power, it is impossible to separate Russia and decisions of its leadership. Decisions made by President Putin return Russia to the world arena and restore the balance. I would like to repeat that this is my personal opinion so that no one can accuse me of interfering into Russia’s domestic affairs," he said in an interview with the Soloviov Live television channel.

"If we look at Russia as a country, which along with us is fighting against terrorists in Syria, naturally, this topic is important for us and we cannot take it as exclusively our domestic issue. The man who made the decision to counter terrorism in Syria is important for us," the Syrian president said.

According to Assad, it is likewise important whether this man stays in office or not. "Naturally, any changes will tell on us. If you ask about candidates [for Russian president] we prefer, I think the answer will be obvious," he stressed.

He stressed that Russia is a country on which the future of the world depends. "Due to many factors, not only because of the war in Ukraine. Can a country waging a crucial war in Ukraine be ready for a change of leaders and their policy? There is a saying in the Arab language: ‘ One cannot swap the fortress amid a battle.’ A battle needs consistency. This is Russia’s domestic affair. Knowing many Russian people, I think they know the answer. Everything that serves the course of fighting today is a priority. President Putin is a major part of this fighting," Assad said when asked about the Russian election’s influence on the future of the world.

Russia’s Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, has scheduled the presidential election for March 17, 2024. Voting will take place over three days - on March 15, 16 and 17. Thus, it will be the first three-day election for Russia’s president.