Russia's assistance has helped the Syrian army to seize the initiative and stabilise the country. Minister of Defence of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mahmoud Abbas, said this during a meeting with Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of Moscow Conference on International Security.

"At least, I state that the initiative is now in our hands, the initiative is in the hands of the Syrian Armed Forces. This was made possible by the resilience of our people and the help of the Russian Federation," Abbas said.

However, he noted that certain threats remain and Syria is willing to work with Russia to eliminate them.

Speaking about Russia's contribution to the fight against international terrorism, Abbas stressed that the deployment of Russian troops in Syria was the only correct decision to stabilise the situation in the country.

"Russian friends are true friends who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against international terrorists. Now we want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in turn," Abbas stated.