Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad will arrive in Moscow Wednesday on his first visit to the Russian capital since he assumed office.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it's looking forward to hold comprehensive discussions in Moscow over the settlement in Syria and means of enhancing the "multi-faceted bilateral cooperation."
Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet Mekdad on Thursday, and the two will discuss a wide range of issues concerning the situation in Syria, according to the Ministry.
Moscow was seeking to establish a relationship with the new minister, within the framework of boosting the “strong and special relationship” that Lavrov had brought together with the late Minister Walid al-Moallem.
The Ministry’s statement indicated that the two parties will exchange views on pressing issues on the regional and international agenda.
Talks between the officials will focus on Syrian developments, including strengthening the comprehensive political settlement on the basis of Security Council Resolution 2254, the issue of reconstructing the country, and assistance in the process of the return of Syrian refugees.
The announcement of the meeting follows the controversial visit by Mekdad’s first international trip as FM to Tehran. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry had called against making too much political speculation over the Minister's visit to Tehran before Moscow.
Also, Russian Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed that Moscow was in fact the destination of Mekdad’s first foreign visit, but scheduling conflicts with Lavrov forced him to change his plans.
Zakharova indicated that upon assuming office, Mekdad expressed his desire to visit Russia, saying it is natural within the framework of the two sides' efforts to “enhance strategic alliances.”
She said that the two countries quickly agreed to organize Mekdad's visit to Moscow as soon as it was appropriate for both, but the date of the visit was later postponed.
