Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
visited Moscow for the first time since assuming power, meeting with Russian
President Vladimir Putin to seek a reset in Syria-Russia relations, honour past
agreements, and discuss key political, military, and regional issues including
the extradition request of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Syria's New Leadership Meets Russia’s Putin
In a significant diplomatic development, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made his inaugural official visit to Moscow on Wednesday, marking the first direct encounter between the new Syrian leadership and Russia following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. This meeting occurred amid efforts by al-Sharaa to redefine bilateral relations with a long-time ally of the former Syrian regime. As reported by Stephanie Lecocq of The Moscow Times, al-Sharaa emphasised the goal
"to restore and redefine in a new way the nature of these relations so there is independence for Syria, sovereign Syria and also its territorial unity and integrity and its security stability"
in remarks
made at the Kremlin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed al-Sharaa in an
opulent Kremlin hall, signifying Russia's pragmatic geopolitical approach.
Putin underscored the enduring "friendly relations" between Moscow
and Damascus, extending back to 1944, and stressed Russia's prioritisation of
the Syrian populace's welfare throughout various political climates, without
being constrained by political conditions or interests, according to The New
York Times reporter.
Honouring Past Agreements and Military Presence
Syrian President al-Sharaa reiterated commitments to honour all previous accords between Syria and Russia, specifically reassuring that Moscow’s military facilities in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base in Latakia and the naval base in Tartous, remain secure. This affirmation addresses Russian concerns about the continuity of its military strategic presence in Syria despite leadership changes. Aljazeera’s correspondent highlighted al-Sharaa’s statement that
"there are mutual relations and common interests that connect us with Russia, and we honour all accords established with it".
Putin responded by congratulating al-Sharaa on Syria’s
recent parliamentary elections, describing the process as "a significant
achievement" that fosters social unity and facilitates collaboration among
Syria's various political factions despite ongoing challenges, according to ABC
News.
Diplomatic Discussions and Regional Implications
Ahead of the talks, Syria’s state news agency SANA outlined
that the two leaders planned to discuss "regional and international
developments" and seek methods to enhance cooperation. Ahmed al-Sharaa was
also expected to engage with members of the Syrian diaspora in Russia during
his visit. Reuters reported that a critical and sensitive subject during the
discussions was al-Sharaa’s anticipated formal request for the extradition of
former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who has been residing in exile in
Moscow since his escape from Syria in December of the previous year.
Al-Sharaa, once a leader of the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda
under the alias Abu Mohammed al-Julani, led the coalition which captured
Damascus and ended al-Assad's longstanding rule. His visit and meeting with
Putin signify a dramatic shift in Syria’s foreign policy after decades of
conflict and the extensive support Russia had provided to the Assad regime.
Putin’s Strategic Adaptability in Syria
Putin demonstrated diplomatic flexibility by embracing a
leader who once directly opposed him militarily. Analysts, as reported by
France 24 and Deutsche Welle, view the meeting as evidence of Russia's
strategic prioritisation to preserve its longstanding military bases and
geopolitical influence in Syria. Putin remarked on the "special
relations" Russia has long held with Syria and expressed readiness to
continue strengthening them despite the changed political landscape.
According to The Times of Israel, Putin and al-Sharaa’s
discussions also tangentially revolved around Moscow's backing against Israeli
demands and maintaining Russia's energy and economic interests in Syria. The
Kremlin’s official statement confirmed mutual intentions to build on "many
interesting and beneficial initiatives" already on the table.
A New Chapter in Syria-Russia Relations
This historic meeting between Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russia's Vladimir Putin in Moscow encapsulates a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. It reflects the changing dynamics of alliances shaped by Syria’s civil war and Russia's enduring regional ambitions. Al-Sharaa’s commitment to uphold all previous agreements alongside his request for Assad’s extradition underscores the complex interplay of power and reconciliation as Syria seeks to stabilise under new leadership with Russian support.