Russia and Syria signalled on Thursday (July 31, 2025) they’d bolster ties and review agreements made underneath the earlier pro-Moscow authorities of Bashar al-Assad amid uncertainty over the way forward for two Russian navy bases within the nation.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani appealed for Russia’s assist at talks in Moscow, the place Assad had reportedly fled after he was ousted after a lightning offensive by rebels final yr.
It was the primary time a high-ranking Syrian official visited Russia, previously Assad’s greatest backer, since he was overthrown.
“Of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side,” Mr. Shaibani informed his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, however stated there have been elements complicating relations.
Russia’s naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim — each on Syria’s Mediterranean coast — are Moscow’s solely official navy outposts exterior the previous Soviet Union.
Moscow had used the bases extensively throughout its intervention within the civil warfare on Assad’s aspect in 2015, with heavy air bombardments of rebel-held areas.
It was unclear whether or not the brand new Islamist authorities will enable Moscow to hold its outposts within the nation.
Mr. Lavrov stated Moscow was prepared to assist Syria rebuild after greater than a decade of devastating battle and to review “agreements and contracts concluded under different conditions.”
This was echoed by his Syrian counterpart, who stated a review of the agreements was wanted to perceive whether or not they had been “serving the needs of the Syrian people.”
Neither of the Ministers talked about whether or not the navy bases lease, which lasts until 2066, was underneath dialogue.
Syria wants “friends and partners” on its transition path, al-Shaibani informed a press convention after the talks. Mr. Lavrov stated Russia’s historic assist for Syria “doesn’t depend on the political situation or changes of government.”
