Moscow, President Bashar al-Assad paid a working visit to Russia, during which he met with President Vladimir Putin and discussed with him all aspects of relations between the two countries, as well as the situation in the Middle East, the accelerated developments in it and aspects of joint coordination to deal with it. President al-Assad considered that both Syria and Russia have faced difficult challenges and have always been able to overcome them, noting the mutual trust and credibility that underpin the relations of the two countries and peoples. President Putin stressed that the situation is becoming increasingly tense in the Middle East and that the talks with President Assad are an opportunity to discuss all possible developments and scenarios. He affirmed at the same time that there are promising opportunities for economic and trade relations between Syria and Russia. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency