Syria Seeks to Redefine Russia Ties with Putin in Moscow
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Syria and Russia Strengthen Ties as Damascus Seeks Reconstruction Aid, Despite War’s Legacy
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Last updated: October 16, 2025
Putin and al-Sharaa discuss Expanding ”Special Relations”
On October 16, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal al-Sharaa in Moscow.while reports indicated that julani, a figure not further identified in the provided text, planned to request the extradition of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad during the meeting, this sensitive matter was not publicly addressed in al-Sharaa’s initial televised remarks Reuters.
Putin emphasized the “special relations” between Russia and Syria, stating that Moscow has consistently acted in the interests of the Syrian people. He expressed a desire to expand cooperation between the two nations, notably in light of recent parliamentary elections in Syria – the frist as the initial stages of the Syrian uprising in 2011 Al Jazeera.
A Pragmatic Approach to Post-war Relations
Despite supporting opposing sides during Syria’s 13-year civil war, which began in 2011, the current Syrian government has adopted a pragmatic approach to its relationship with Russia.This extends to engagement with other foreign powers as well.Maintaining strong ties with Russia is crucial for Damascus as it seeks to rebuild infrastructure devastated by the war and gain greater international legitimacy Middle east Institute.
in a recent interview with CBS News,al-Sharaa highlighted the deep-rooted nature of syrian-Russian relations,emphasizing Syria’s dependence on Russian supplies for essential resources like energy and food,and also long-standing strategic interests CBS News.
Russia’s Continued Presence and Economic Interests
Russia continues to maintain a notable military presence in Syria, operating air and naval bases on the Syrian coast. The Kremlin has expressed its intention to negotiate a long-term agreement to secure the use of these outposts. Furthermore, reports indicate that Russia has been supplying Syria with oil shipments Atlantic Council.
This continued engagement underscores Russia’s strategic interests in the region,providing Moscow with a