Taking into account the common willingness and desire to establish relations in all fields, the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize both republics, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced in a statement.

It reported that it will communicate with each of these two countries to establish diplomatic relations in accordance with due regulations.

Donetsk and Luhansk proclaimed themselves independent from Ukraine in 2014. Earlier this year Moscow recognized the independence of these two republics and on February 24 launched a special military operation; one of its goals is to protect the population of these two territories.

pgh/aph/mv/fm