The heads of state exchanged New Years wishes, and good wishes to the Russian and Syrian peoples.
Their discussions focussed on the worsening situation in the Middle East. The Presidents of Russia and Syria expressed their serious concern about developments in the Gaza Strip. It was noted that the continuing military action there had already caused a large number of civilian casualties. This tragic figure continues to grow. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deeply distressing. Accordingly the need for a quick end to the bloodshed was underlined.
Dmitry Medvedev and Bashir Asad expressed their determination to continue contact and consultation at various levels to contribute to ongoing international efforts to achieve a cease-fire and the normalisation of the situation in the Middle East.
The telephone conversation was initiated by the Syrian side.