Putin Hosts Historic Talks with Syria's Interim President Amid Post-Assad Era

Syria's Sharaa Meets Putin in Moscow for First Time Since Assad's Fall MOSCOW (Reuters) - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, marking the first meeting between the two leaders since Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power 10 months ago. Putin hailed the "special relationship" between Russia and Syria, while Sharaa indicated that his government would continue to allow Russia access to its military bases in the country. The meeting comes as a significant development in the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. According to sources close to the talks, Sharaa was expected to ask for the extradition of Assad, who fled to Moscow after being forced from power by rebel forces led by Sharaa's armed Islamist group. However, it is unclear whether Putin would agree to extradite Assad, who has been granted asylum in Russia. The meeting between Sharaa and Putin marks a significant shift in their countries' relations, which were once strained due to their opposing roles in the Syrian civil war. Putin had previously used military force to prop up Assad's regime, while Sharaa's group was instrumental in leading the rebel offensive that eventually forced Assad from power. "Over the past decades, our countries have built a special relationship," Putin said during the meeting, according to a Kremlin statement. "We will continue to strengthen this partnership and work together on issues of mutual interest." Sharaa's visit to Moscow is seen as an attempt to re-establish ties with Russia, which had been a key ally of Assad's regime before his ouster. The Syrian interim president has also faced criticism for allowing Russian forces to maintain their military presence in the country. The meeting between Sharaa and Putin comes at a time when Syria is facing significant challenges, including a severe drought that has pushed millions to the brink of poverty. The country's economy is also struggling to recover from years of conflict. In his address to the UN General Assembly last year, Assad acknowledged "shortcomings" in the number of seats won by women at the election. However, the issue remains a contentious one, with many critics arguing that the Syrian government has failed to address the rights of women and other marginalized groups. The meeting between Sharaa and Putin is seen as an opportunity for both leaders to discuss ways to strengthen their countries' partnership and address some of the pressing issues facing Syria. However, the outcome of these talks remains uncertain, and it is unclear what concrete agreements may be reached. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the meeting between Sharaa and Putin marks a significant development in the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. *Reporting by Bbc.*