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President Putin offered his deep condolences to Bashar al-Assad on the death of his father, an eminent leader, who was the head of the Syrian state for the last three decades. He told him that the Russian leadership and the people of Russia shared the feelings of sorrow of the Syrian people.

Mr Assad said he was deeply moved by the letter of condolences sent by the Russian President to the Syrian leadership, the Syrian people, and Hafez Assad’s family, as well as by Mr Putin’s telephone call. He pointed out that the policies of the late President Assad were supported by the people and all branches of government in Syria and would be continued.

Mr Assad expressed gratitude to President Putin for sending a Russian Government delegation led by State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznyov to attend the mourning ceremony.

Mr Putin and Mr Assad underlined their mutual belief in the need to develop multi-faceted Russian-Syrian ties and contacts at all levels.