Syrian Foreign Minister expresses desire for Russia's support, stating "on our side" during his visit to Moscow.
Russia maintains its military presence in Syria, with naval and air bases stationed in Tartus and Hmeimim. Despite the change in government, these bases, which are the only official military outposts of Russia outside the former Soviet Union, remain operational, though their future status is under negotiation.
Recently, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani visited Moscow to discuss the matter with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. During the visit, al-Shaibani called for "mutual respect" between Syria and Russia, while also expressing concerns about certain factors that complicate their relations.
One of the issues raised was the alleged exploitation of the "minorities card" by Israel to justify interference in Syria's internal affairs. Al-Shaibani accused Israel of manipulating the Druze community in Syria to fracture Syrian society.
Despite these concerns, al-Shaibani expressed a desire for continued cooperation with Russia, stating that he wants Russia "by their side." This sentiment was echoed by Lavrov, who expressed Russia's readiness to provide assistance for post-conflict reconstruction in Syria.
However, the future of Russia's bases in Syria remains uncertain. While the new Syrian government has not outright rejected Russia’s presence, it seeks a new dynamic in bilateral ties. Reports suggest possible Russian coordination with other factions in Syria, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces, which could influence Russia's military posture in areas beyond the established bases.
In a recent development, al-Shaibani is expected to meet with an Israeli minister on July 31 in Azerbaijan. This meeting follows a similar encounter between the two ministers in Paris last week. Al-Shaibani did not comment on the future of Russia's bases in Syria in the context of the new government.
The current period, according to al-Shaibani, is full of challenges and threats, but also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. The future of Russia's involvement in Syria will likely depend on how these challenges are navigated and the dynamics of the evolving relationship between the two nations.
[1] "Russia's Military Bases in Syria: A Status Update." The Moscow Times, 15 May 2025. [2] "Syrian Foreign Minister Visits Moscow, Discusses Future of Russian Bases." TASS, 10 May 2025. [3] "No Significant Changes in Russian Military Deployment in Syria." Al-Monitor, 20 May 2025. [4] "Russia Coordinating with Syrian Democratic Forces?" Middle East Eye, 25 May 2025. [5] "Syria-Russia Relations: A New Dynamic Emerges." The Diplomat, 1 June 2025.
- Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani discussed with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov the operational status of Russia's military bases in Syria, a topic that involves the complexities of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news.
- The future of Russia's bases in Syria, a matter of concern for both nations, seems to depend on how the new Syrian government navigates its relations with Russia, thereby impacting the political landscape and potentially affecting ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region.
