Russia has not withdrawn its diplomats from Syria and maintains contacts with the new Syrian authorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Russian and foreign media, Report informs.
"We are discussing practical issues concerning the secure functioning of our embassy, and in general, we are interested and ready for dialogue on other matters of bilateral relations," he noted.
Lavrov noted that Russia and Syria have long-standing good relations, which Moscow will continue to develop.
"We hope for further development of relations in the economic sphere and investment cooperation when the new power structure is finally settled," said the foreign minister.
He noted that Moscow understands Ankara's security concerns on the border with Syria.
"We heard President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement and understand Turkish leadership's concerns about security on the border with Syria, where there have been multiple incidents involving terrorist cells. Security must be ensured, but with respect for Syria's sovereignty. Turkish leadership also speaks in this vein, and we support this," he said.
Lavrov also urged Israel not to try to ensure its state security at the expense of other countries' security. "One cannot expect to destroy all military facilities of a neighbor and then live in peace forever," the politician said.