Bahraini Amb. No dispute with Moscow over Syrian crisis

The differences in the views of Russia and Bahrain on the Syrian conflict will not hinder the development of strategic relations between the two countries, Bahrain's ambassador to Russia Ahmed Abdulrahman Saati told Sputnik on Monday.

"I do not think there are any disputes, but there are differences in attitude and approach… Our relations with Russia are strategic in all directions, we are working with a friendly country and have its helping hand stretched in respect of international issues. If there is a difference of opinion on any political issue, it should not affect our relations," Saati said.

The ambassador recalled that all countries in the world agreed that the war in Syria should be stopped "as soon as possible," the conflict-affected people should be saved and the humanitarian aid should be delivered to them.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting the Syrian opposition groups striving to overthrow President Bashar Assad. In parallel, Damascus has to counter numerous extremist groups, in particular, the Daesh — a terrorist group outlawed in Russia.

Russia supports the current Syrian leader as the only legitimate Syrian authority, while Bahrain. along with other members of the major US-led anti-terrorist coalition, is in favor of Assad's overthrow. The coalition has been conducting airstrikes in terrorists' positions in Syria without either UN Security Council approval, or Damascus' consent. Early this year, media reported that Bahrain was ready to deploy ground forces in Syria if necessary.

Source: MENA