Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the new Syrian leadership formed after the change of power will not break off relations with Minsk and Moscow. In his statement, he noted that pragmatic considerations will force the Syrian leadership to maintain a balance in foreign policy so as not to aggravate relations with key players.

"They are not idiots. They will rely on two wings. The West remains a force, there is no point in the Syrians quarrelling with it. But they will not break off relations with us either. If this happens, it means that the Americans or the West did it," — Lukashenko said, adding that the situation requires time for further analysis.

Experts assess the statement by the Belarusian leader as an attempt to focus attention on the continuing influence of Moscow and Minsk in Syria. Despite the opposition forces coming to power, Russia and Belarus retain economic and political interests in the region. In particular, we are talking about long-term agreements on military and economic cooperation, which are an important element for the stability of bilateral relations.