The historic meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani outlined the beginning of a new phase of political and military understanding between the two countries, said the media department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Syria, reports SANA news agency.

"This phase is based on respecting Syria’s sovereignty and supporting the integrity of the Syrian territory," the Syrian MFA statement said.

The MFA statement, a copy of which received by SANA, that “President Putin stressed Russia’s absolute rejection of any Israeli intervention or attempts to divide Syria, and affirmed Moscow’s commitment to support Syria in its reconstruction and restoration of stability."

“Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani asserted Syria’s commitment to repositioning relations with Russia on new foundations that take into account the interests of the Syrian people and open up prospects for a balanced partnership,” the Syrian MFA media department added.

The MFA noted that “Syria emphasized, during the meeting, its commitment to protect all the Syrian citizens, regardless of their ethnic background, and the need to address the legacy of the former regime, both politically and structurally, in a way that serves Syria’s future.”

The Syrian MFA media department stated that “this meeting represents a strong political indicator of the beginning of a process to restore Syrian-Russian relations, in a way that enhances regional balance and empowers the Syrian state.”

"Syria warns against Israeli interventions that are pushing the country toward chaos, affirms that its doors are open to all who respect its sovereignty and unity and preserve its security and stability," the Syrian MFA added.