Against the backdrop of political changes in Syria, the country’s acting president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made his first official visit to Moscow. He was personally welcomed at the Kremlin by Russian President Vladimir Putin, TASS reported.
The meeting was dedicated to the historic cooperation between the two countries. According to Putin, relations between Russia and Syria are based on long-standing trust and deep ties between their peoples.
— “Special, friendly relations have developed between our countries. Russia has always built its relations with Syria solely in the interests of your people,” Putin said.
The Kremlin leader emphasized that the two nations are connected not only politically but also through humanitarian bonds. “Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people are linked by marriage and friendship ties. These relations have deep historical roots,” he noted.
Putin also discussed the recent parliamentary elections in Syria, stressing that this process would help bring the country’s political forces closer together:
— “The election results are an important step toward consolidating society and achieving political stability,” said the Russian leader.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, in turn, called Russia “a key partner in rebuilding the new Syria.” According to him, Moscow plays a decisive role in the country’s reconstruction and in strengthening peace.
According to Reuters, during the talks in Moscow, the Syrian president raised the issue of the fate of former president Bashar al-Assad, who is currently hiding in Russia. Sources reported that al-Sharaa plans to demand Assad’s extradition to face trial for crimes against the Syrian people. In addition, he is negotiating the continued operation of Russia’s naval base in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase.
The talks were held behind closed doors. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow and Damascus discussed Russia’s military presence in Syria, including “a possible reconfiguration of the functions of Russian military facilities.”
It should be recalled that the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for many years, collapsed on December 8, 2024, after armed opposition forces entered Damascus. Assad and his family fled to Russia, where Moscow announced it had granted them asylum “on humanitarian grounds.”
The meeting between Ahmad al-Sharaa and Vladimir Putin is expected to mark a new stage in Russian–Syrian relations. Experts believe Moscow intends to maintain its decisive influence in shaping Syria’s new political system.
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