Strengthening Bonds: Russia and Syria Seek Clarity on Military Presence Amid Political Transition

Russia and Syria indicated on Thursday their intention to enhance their relationship and evaluate the bilateral agreements established during the tenure of former President Bashar al-Assad. This comes amid increasing uncertainty regarding the status of Moscow’s military presence in the region.

During discussions in Moscow, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani requested ongoing Russian assistance. This marked his initial official visit following Assad’s unexpected removal from power last year during a rebel offensive. It is believed that Assad sought refuge in Russia after his downfall.

“We certainly value having Russia as an ally,” al-Shaibani stated to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Russia operates a naval facility in Tartus and an air base at Hmeimim, which are its only official military bases outside the former Soviet Union. These two installations, situated along Syria’s Mediterranean coastline, were instrumental during Moscow’s military support of Assad throughout the Syrian civil war.

It remains uncertain if the newly formed Islamist-led government in Syria will permit Russia to maintain its military presence in the country. The current leasing agreements for these bases extend until 2066, but neither party addressed their status during the press conference on Thursday.

Lavrov expressed Russia’s willingness to contribute to Syria’s post-war reconstruction and showed a readiness to revisit existing “agreements and contracts made under different circumstances.”

Al-Shaibani concurred, stating that a reassessment is essential to ascertain if those agreements “benefit the Syrian people.”

According to him, Syria requires “friends and partners to advance on its path.”

Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s support for Syria remains independent of the political landscape or any governmental changes.