MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Putin congratulated Assad on Syria’s independence day, which is celebrated on April 17, by sending him a telegram.
In the telegram, Putin said that Russia would continue to assist Damascus in its struggle against terrorist groups, SANA news agency reported.
Putin added that he reiterated Russia's support of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting armed opposition groups, as well as extremist organizations, such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front, which are prohibited in many countries, including Russia.
