"Economic issues can be settled immediately, when the situation stabilizes in Syria, but rehabilitating the infrastructure will take a long time," Assad said in comments translated into Russian.
"Of course we expect that this process will be based on three main countries that supported Syria during this crisis -- Russia, China and Iran," Assad said.
Russia has deployed its military to Syria to back up troops loyal to longstanding ally Assad with a bombing campaign, and the Syrian leader said Moscow`s forces would be needed in the country for some time to come.
"We need their presence as they are effective in the fight against terrorism even if the situation in terms of security in Syria is stabilising," Assad said, adding that Russia`s bases were also required to maintain "balance in the world".
More about:
-1780923278.jpg&h=190&w=280&zc=1&q=100)
