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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa assured Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that all prior agreements between Damascus and Moscow would be honoured, signalling continuity in Russia’s military presence amid Syria’s political transition.
The pledge comes as Sharaa, who ousted predecessor Bashar al-Assad late last year, embarked on his first visit to Russia since assuming power.
“There are bilateral relations and shared interests that bind us with Russia, and we respect all agreements made with it. We are working on redefining the nature of relations with Russia,” Sharaa told Putin in Arabic during the Kremlin talks. Putin responded that Moscow was ready to act on “many interesting and useful beginnings” discussed previously to renew ties.
Energy, infrastructure and military cooperation
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak indicated that Moscow is prepared to collaborate on Syria’s oil sector, as well as help rebuild energy, rail and other infrastructure damaged during more than a decade of civil war. “Russian companies have been working in Syria for a long time, at oil fields. There are fields that require development, those that are mothballed, and new fields. We are ready to participate,” Novak said.
Before the visit, the Kremlin highlighted that the discussions would also cover the future of Russia’s key military facilities in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base in Latakia province and the Tartous naval base on the Mediterranean coast.
Russia also maintains a presence at Qamishli airport near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that Moscow sees potential for these bases to serve as logistics hubs for delivering aid to Africa.
Syrian officials, meanwhile, are seeking assurances that Moscow will not assist in rearming remnants of Assad’s forces and are exploring the possibility of Russian support in rebuilding the Syrian army, a source familiar with the talks said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsA delicate diplomatic balancing act
Sharaa’s visit carries significant geopolitical sensitivity. Russia had been a key military backer of Assad’s regime during the Syrian civil war, ultimately facilitating the former president’s departure and granting asylum in Moscow. The Assads reportedly live discreetly in the Russian capital. Two Syrian sources told Reuters that Sharaa is likely to formally request Assad’s extradition to face trial over alleged crimes committed during his rule, though Russia is unlikely to comply, citing security concerns.
Economic assistance and strategic backing are also high on Sharaa’s agenda. The Syrian leader is expected to request the resumption of wheat supplies on favourable terms, compensation for war-related damages, and Russian support to counter Israeli demands for an expanded demilitarised zone in southern Syria. Discussions may also touch on redeploying Russian military police to deter further Israeli incursions.
Looking ahead
Sharaa’s meetings with Putin underscore Moscow’s continued influence in Syria even as the country navigates a post-Assad era. While the leadership transition opens opportunities for Damascus to diversify its foreign partnerships, the talks reaffirm that Russia remains a central player in Syria’s military and economic landscape.
With inputs from agencies
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