MOSCOW, February 4. /TASS/. The new authorities in Syria are unlikely to sever ties with Russia, even in light of recent visits by Western representatives to Damascus, Vitaly Naumkin, the research director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told TASS in an interview ahead of the 14th Middle East Conference hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club.
"I believe the possibility of a shift in Syria's longstanding policy of close ties with Russia can be dismissed," Naumkin asserted. "The country is not likely to abandon its historical relationship with Russia simply because foreign emissaries have made various promises."
He emphasized that Syria's connection with Russia is very strong, created over many years. "The new government will undoubtedly seek financial resources, assistance, and international recognition. While they may have received assurances regarding political and economic deals, it is improbable that any attempts to overlook the well-established ties - cultural, religious, and civilizational - between Syria and Russia will succeed. This legacy is too substantial to be disregarded."
Naumkin further remarked that any efforts by Western emissaries to "purchase the loyalty of the Syrian people" are doomed to fail.
"I am confident that our relations will continue to evolve, and the remaining challenges will be addressed," he concluded.