Putin Rolls Out Red Carpet for Assad in Rare Moscow Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rolled out the red carpet for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during his rare visit to Moscow. The Kremlin has upped its protocol for Assad's visit, with Putin personally greeting him at the airport and hosting a lavish dinner in his honor. The two leaders discussed the current situation in Syria and Russia's role in helping to bring stability to the region. They also discussed economic cooperation between their countries, including potential investments from Russia into Syria's energy sector. Putin praised Assad for his efforts to restore peace and stability in Syria, saying that he was "working hard" to achieve this goal. He also thanked Assad for his willingness to cooperate with Russia on various issues, including counterterrorism and regional security. The meeting comes as tensions between Russia and the West have been rising over Ukraine and other issues. It is seen as an attempt by both sides to improve relations and find common ground on key issues. Russia has been a key ally of Assad since the start of the civil war in 2011, providing military support and diplomatic cover for his government. The two countries have maintained close ties throughout the conflict, despite international condemnation of Assad's human rights abuses. The visit is being closely watched by world leaders who are concerned about how it could affect regional stability. It remains unclear what kind of agreement might be reached between Putin and Assad during their talks, but it is clear that they are seeking closer ties between their countries going forward.