Russia's top diplomat on Thursday met with his Syrian counterpart during the first formal to Moscow by an official of the new government in Damascus since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted in a rebel offensive last year despite years of Russian support.

Russia and Syria signaled Thursday they would bolster ties and review agreements made under the previous pro-Moscow government of ex-president Bashar al-Assad amid uncertainty over the future of two Russian military bases in the country.

Syria’s new rulers have decided to take a pragmatic approach, despite Russia’s support for previous president.