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Assad Meets Putin In Surprise Moscow Visit

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has met his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, according to Syrian state media.

It's the first known trip abroad for the embattled leader since war broke out in his country in 2011.

It comes after the United States and Russia signed an agreement over air safety in Syria.

The two countries have agreed to abide by a series of protocols to minimise the risk of a mid-air collision.

Arabic news channel Ikhbariyah said Mr Putin and Mr Assad discussed the continuation of military operations against "terrorists" in Syria.

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Russian television showed footage of Mr Putin and Russia's foreign and defence ministers meeting Assad and his adviser.

Mr Putin thanked Assad for "accepting our invitation and coming to Moscow despite a tragic situation in your country".

Assad praised Russia's efforts since the beginning of his country's war, saying in remarks carried by Arab media:

"Terrorism which we see spreading today could have been more widespread and more harmful if it weren't for your decisions and steps, not only in our region."

Mr Putin added that along with fighting militants, Moscow believes that "a long-term settlement can only be achieved as part of a political process with the participation of all political forces, ethnic and religious groups".

He added: "The Syrian people have been putting up a fight against international terrorism effectively on its own for several years, sustaining sizeable losses but it has achieved positive results recently."

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Russia began air strikes against insurgents in Syria on September 30.

Protests against Assad in early 2011 descended into a civil war. The United Nations estimates at least 250,000 people have been killed.