Relations between Russia and Syria remain strong, built on decades of diplomatic cooperation and military presence, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Acting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized during their meeting today at the Kremlin. Al-Sharaa stated that Damascus “respects all previous agreements,” signaling continuity in bilateral commitments.
The historic meeting, taking place as Syria transitions into the post-Assad era, covers a broad range of topics concerning Russian-Syrian relations;
most notably the continued presence of Russian military bases in the country.
According to al-Sharaa, Syria “respects the previous decisions agreed between Moscow and Damascus,” meaning that Russian bases will remain in Syria as they are.
This development is particularly significant, as it undermines the plans of Turkey and Israel, who had supported al-Sharaa against Assad with the goal of pushing Russia out of the region.
Respecting the agreements
Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria respects all previous agreements with Russia but seeks to redefine the nature of bilateral relations.
“We respect all the previous agreements signed between Moscow and Damascus, while also seeking to establish a new framework for our bilateral relations,” Al-Sharaa said.
He added that Russia will play a significant role in Syria’s future development:
“Today we live in a new Syria. We are presenting it to the rest of the world, and the world is recognizing it. We are making efforts to advance our political goals, and we understand that, as I have already mentioned, we are bound by historical ties, and Russia will play an important role in this process,” Al-Sharaa noted.
The acting Syrian president also stated that the new Syrian authorities intend to “recalibrate” their relationship with Moscow.
“We will strive to restart our complex relations and present to you, among other things, the new Syria,” Al-Sharaa concluded.
Historic Russia–Syria friendship
Relations between Russia and Syria have always been friendly and strong.
As President Vladimir Putin stated: “A special relationship has developed between our countries over many decades. We have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 80 years, established during the most difficult times for Russia and the Soviet Union in 1944. During this entire period, relations between Syria and Russia have been exceptionally friendly.”
Moscow has always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people in its dealings with Damascus. Putin noted:
“Russia has never had relations with Syria dictated by political circumstances or narrow interests. Over these decades, we have always been guided by one thing: the interests of the Syrian people.”
The role of Syrian students studying in Russia was also highlighted:
“At present, more than 4,000 young people from Syria are studying in higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation. I strongly hope they will contribute significantly to the development and strengthening of Syrian statehood in the future,” he said.
Russia maintains deep personal and cultural ties with the Syrian people: “It is enough to say that hundreds, perhaps thousands of people, are connected through marriage and friendship.”
Addressing Syria’s current situation, Putin expressed optimism that the recent parliamentary elections will help strengthen unity among the country’s political forces:
“Despite Syria going through difficult times, these elections will enhance relations and interaction among all political forces.”
He also described the victory of pro-presidential forces as a major achievement and a step toward national cohesion: “I believe this is a great success, as it leads to the unification of society,” Putin concluded.
Military and diplomatic cooperation
Moscow and Damascus remain in regular contact on a wide range of issues concerning Russian-Syrian cooperation, including matters of defense.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia’s future presence in Syria is under constant review, along with the possible reorganization of the country’s military facilities:
“Our bilateral agenda with Syria covers a broad spectrum of issues related to Russian-Syrian cooperation. The matter of our military presence in the Syrian Arab Republic is also being examined, including within the framework of a potential reorganization of Russian military installations. Naturally, such issues and discussions are conducted behind closed doors,” the diplomat stated.
Zakharova reminded reporters that the Russian Ministry of Defense is responsible for these matters:
“We have said everything we can on this issue. The dialogue between the defense ministries of the two countries will continue, and we will inform you as soon as possible,” she added.
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most notably the continued presence of Russian military bases in the country.
According to al-Sharaa, Syria “respects the previous decisions agreed between Moscow and Damascus,” meaning that Russian bases will remain in Syria as they are.
This development is particularly significant, as it undermines the plans of Turkey and Israel, who had supported al-Sharaa against Assad with the goal of pushing Russia out of the region.
Respecting the agreements
Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria respects all previous agreements with Russia but seeks to redefine the nature of bilateral relations.
“We respect all the previous agreements signed between Moscow and Damascus, while also seeking to establish a new framework for our bilateral relations,” Al-Sharaa said.
He added that Russia will play a significant role in Syria’s future development:
“Today we live in a new Syria. We are presenting it to the rest of the world, and the world is recognizing it. We are making efforts to advance our political goals, and we understand that, as I have already mentioned, we are bound by historical ties, and Russia will play an important role in this process,” Al-Sharaa noted.
The acting Syrian president also stated that the new Syrian authorities intend to “recalibrate” their relationship with Moscow.
“We will strive to restart our complex relations and present to you, among other things, the new Syria,” Al-Sharaa concluded.
Historic Russia–Syria friendship
Relations between Russia and Syria have always been friendly and strong.
As President Vladimir Putin stated: “A special relationship has developed between our countries over many decades. We have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 80 years, established during the most difficult times for Russia and the Soviet Union in 1944. During this entire period, relations between Syria and Russia have been exceptionally friendly.”
Moscow has always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people in its dealings with Damascus. Putin noted:
“Russia has never had relations with Syria dictated by political circumstances or narrow interests. Over these decades, we have always been guided by one thing: the interests of the Syrian people.”
The role of Syrian students studying in Russia was also highlighted:
“At present, more than 4,000 young people from Syria are studying in higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation. I strongly hope they will contribute significantly to the development and strengthening of Syrian statehood in the future,” he said.
Russia maintains deep personal and cultural ties with the Syrian people: “It is enough to say that hundreds, perhaps thousands of people, are connected through marriage and friendship.”
Addressing Syria’s current situation, Putin expressed optimism that the recent parliamentary elections will help strengthen unity among the country’s political forces:
“Despite Syria going through difficult times, these elections will enhance relations and interaction among all political forces.”
He also described the victory of pro-presidential forces as a major achievement and a step toward national cohesion: “I believe this is a great success, as it leads to the unification of society,” Putin concluded.
Military and diplomatic cooperation
Moscow and Damascus remain in regular contact on a wide range of issues concerning Russian-Syrian cooperation, including matters of defense.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia’s future presence in Syria is under constant review, along with the possible reorganization of the country’s military facilities:
“Our bilateral agenda with Syria covers a broad spectrum of issues related to Russian-Syrian cooperation. The matter of our military presence in the Syrian Arab Republic is also being examined, including within the framework of a potential reorganization of Russian military installations. Naturally, such issues and discussions are conducted behind closed doors,” the diplomat stated.
Zakharova reminded reporters that the Russian Ministry of Defense is responsible for these matters:
“We have said everything we can on this issue. The dialogue between the defense ministries of the two countries will continue, and we will inform you as soon as possible,” she added.
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