Why has the Kremlin upped its protocol for Syria's Assad in Russia?
Public ceremonies for the Syrian leader, in contrast to his previous secret meetings, suggest that Assad is in a stronger position to negotiate with Moscow.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Moscow this week was his first following regular protocol, rather than as a special operation, reported only after the fact.
His trip was even preceded by an announcement. Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported on March 6 about the preparations for the official visit.
Assad's reception at Vnukovo Airport's government terminal included a red carpet, a guard of honor and an orchestra. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Ambassador to Syria Alexander Yefimov and Syrian Ambassador to Moscow Bashar al-Jaafari were waiting for him at the ramp.
Assad had previously been flown to Russia four times in secret, from 2015 to 2021. As Russian experts noted, this visit — “as public and official as possible” — not only “indicates the changed global situation, but also certain expectations” of Moscow and Damascus from the negotiations.
