Putin reinforces support of Syrian government

MOSCOW, June 29 (UPI) -- Russia has reaffirmed its support for the Syrian government and its President Bashar al-Assad Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

Referring to four years of civil war and an assortment of rebel groups attempting to overthrow the Syrian government, Putin said "we're sure that the Syrian people will win in the final run and our policy of supporting Syria, its leadership and its people remains unchanged."

Putin spoke at a meeting in Moscow with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem.

At another press conference later in the day, attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mouallem said Putin promised Syria continued political, military and economic support, adding the visit to Moscow was directed at finding a political solution to Syria's crisis.

Lavrov added aid to the Syrian government would reduce terrorism in the Middle East; he also issued a plea for nations in the region to unite in stopping terrorism.

Russia has long been an ally of the Bashar regime.