Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s administration is seeking closer military ties with Russia after years of fighting the Russian-backed Assad regime during the civil war.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that a meeting organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibaani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra focused on issues of mutual interest, including political, economic and military issues.
The meeting mainly focused on military cooperation to strengthen the Syrian Arab Army, modernizing its equipment and sharing expertise in research and development efforts.
The news agency stated: “Both sides discussed the importance of continued political and diplomatic coordination in international forums,” adding that Moscow assured Syria of steadfast support.
Putin also condemned Israel for violating Syrian territory, declaring: “Such actions pose a direct threat to regional security and stability.”
Despite strongly supporting Assad during Syria’s 14-year civil war, Moscow appears ready to build good diplomatic relations with the Al-Sharaa administration in Damascus.
President Al-Sharaa also visited Russia in October and assured Putin that they plan to honor all agreements between both countries.
However, Russia hopes to secure an agreement to continue operating its two military bases – the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where Russian forces remain stationed.
