Russia welcomes Syria's new foreign minister for the inaugural time since Assad's dismissal.
In a significant development, Russia and Syria have signaled their intentions to strengthen and rebuild their bilateral relations, marking the start of a new phase of political and military coordination. This decision was reached following a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Moscow [1][2][3].
The meeting was a strong political signal towards renewing Syrian-Russian relations, reinforcing regional balance, and promoting Syrian state stability. Syria emphasized its priority on the interests of the Syrian people and building a balanced partnership with Russia, while Russia expressed its readiness to assist Syria in post-war reconstruction and to review existing agreements made under the previous Assad regime [1][2][3].
Syria affirmed its stance against Israeli interference and commitment to sovereignty and unity. Russia reiterated its opposition to foreign interference in Syria and support for Syria’s territorial integrity and economic recovery [3].
Regarding military presence, Russia maintains naval and air bases in Syria, but the fate of these bases remains uncertain. The current lease agreement runs until 2066, though neither side explicitly confirmed its status during the talks. Russia is open to reviewing agreements signed under different conditions, reflective of the changed political landscape in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2024 and the new Islamist-led government [1][4].
The new rulers in Damascus, headed by interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, have taken a pragmatic approach to relations with Moscow. Al-Sharaa thanked Russia for its stance against Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and expressed that Syria is tired of the war over the past 14 years [2][3].
Russia reaffirmed its support for the preservation of Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and independence. Lavrov thanked Syria for ensuring the safety of Russian citizens and facilities in Syria, and Russia is ready to provide Syria with all possible assistance in post-conflict reconstruction [2][3].
Al-Shaibani called on Russia to support Syria's post-Assad "transitional justice" process, while Al-Sharaa expressed interest in ties with Russia and having Russia as an ally. It is worth noting that Assad took refuge in Russia after his ouster [1][3].
In summary, the latest meeting marks a diplomatic reset and intention to continue cooperation, particularly focusing on reconstruction, mutual political and military support, and regional stability, although some details, especially about Russia’s military foothold, remain to be clarified [1][2][3].
- To strengthen regional balance and promote stability, Syria has emphasized its priority on the interests of its people and building a balanced partnership with Russia in the realm of business and politics.
- Russia is open to reviewing existing agreements made under the previous Assad regime, reflecting the changed political landscape in Syria, and has expressed its readiness to assist Syria in post-war reconstruction – a crucial aspect of general news.
- In the realm of war-and-conflicts, both Russia and Syria have reiterated their opposition to foreign interference and support for Syria’s territorial integrity.
- Moving forward, Syria has called on Russia to support its post-Assad "transitional justice" process, indicating a need for cooperation in art, politics, and news, especially in news reporting about war-and-conflicts and general news.
