Putin hosts Syria’s Sharaa with military cooperation in focus

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, with talks focused on the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria.

The visit is al-Sharaa’s second to the Russian capital since taking power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024. Damascus continues to demand the return of Assad and his close associates for trial after they fled to Russia.

Read more: Syrian president emphasizes unity, inclusive state-building in meeting with US envoy

The Kremlin is seeking assurances to maintain its naval base in Tartous and air base at Hmeimim, Russia’s last military footholds outside the former Soviet Union. The talks come as Moscow’s influence in Syria has weakened, with Russia already withdrawing equipment and forces from Qamishli airport in the country’s northeast.

Diplomatic dynamics have shifted in parallel. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, recently praised al-Sharaa, describing him as “highly respected” and saying things are “going very well.” Washington has strengthened ties with Syria’s new leadership, overlooking recent military escalation by Damascus against Kurdish forces.

Read more: Syrian president announces deal with Kurds including truce

Western powers, including the United States, France, Britain, and Germany, have warned against any security vacuum in northeastern Syria that could be exploited by the terrorist group Daesh.

They have urged Syrian forces and Kurdish fighters to uphold a ceasefire to prevent the escape of thousands of Daesh detainees held in prisons and camps in the area.

Putin reaffirmed support for Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in restoring Syria’s territorial unity, emphasizing the growing cooperation between the two nations. Al-Sharrah highlighted Russia’s key role in Syria’s internal stability during a summit at the Kremlin on Wednesday, marking the second meeting between the two leaders.

Focus on Reconstruction

Putin noted that since Al-Sharaa’s last visit to Moscow, “various committees have been working in multiple sectors to develop relations between our countries,” signaling Russia’s readiness to assist in Syria’s reconstruction. He praised Syrian efforts to restore national unity, saying, “We have closely followed your efforts and congratulate you on the momentum this process is gaining. We have always advocated for Syria’s territorial integrity and support all your efforts in this direction”.

The Russian president also stressed that economic cooperation between Moscow and Damascus has reached a higher level and should be preserved, highlighting Al-Sharaa’s role in advancing bilateral ties.

Al-Sharaa Highlights Russia’s Regional Role

Al-Sharaa, in turn, noted Syria has overcome numerous challenges, including unifying its territories, and acknowledged Russia’s historic role in stabilizing Syria and the surrounding region. He said, “Our region urgently needs stability. I extend my sincere thanks, Mr. President, for your efforts and hope Russian initiatives will continue until the Middle East achieves the highest level of stability and development”.

Delegation and Agenda

Al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow earlier Wednesday with a delegation including Foreign Minister Asaad Sheibani and Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasrah. Russian officials attending the summit included Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Admiral Igor Kostyukov of the General Staff.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the agenda focused on “many issues of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere”, and included discussions on the regional situation.