Russia in talks over military bases in Syria with new government

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 12:55
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Russia and Syria are holding talks on the future of Russian military bases in the country, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, as their fate remains unclear amid the political transition and ongoing regional developments.

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A Russian helicopter flies over the Hmeimim Air Base, a Syrian airbase currently operated by Russia, located southeast of the city of Latakia in the town of Hmeimim, Syria, on December 16, 2024. (AP)

Russia and Syria remain in dialogue regarding the continued presence of Russian military bases in Syria, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.

Vershinin told RIA Novosti on Monday that discussions are ongoing between Moscow and Damascus, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the Russian Federation and the Syrian people.

"I can confirm that our contacts with Damascus on all matters are indeed ongoing. We have traditionally long-standing friendly relations with the Syrian people. I emphasize 'with the Syrian people' because there is no need to speak about regimes in this case. We are maintaining these contacts to find a solution that would serve the interests of Russia, the interests of Damascus, and the interests of regional stability," Vershinin said.

In January, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to support the Syrian people. He reiterated Moscow's intention to maintain strategic ties and contribute to regional stability amid the evolving political landscape in Syria. Other Russian officials resumed discussions on Russian military installations in Syria.

The talks come in the wake of major political changes in Syria. On December 8, 2024, armed forces captured Damascus, leading to the resignation and departure of Bashar al-Assad. In January, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the armed groups, was officially declared transitional president, and a new Syrian cabinet was formed in March.

Syria shifts from Russian investments to Gulf

In late December, al-Sharaa underscored the country's strong strategic ties with Russia during an interview with Al Arabiya. While discussing Moscow's global standing, al-Sharaa stated, "Russia is the second most powerful state in the world. It is of great importance. Syria shares strategic interests with Russia."

Speaking to the Saudi state news channel, he said that the new Syrian leadership does not wish for Russia's presence in Syria to end "in a manner that is inconsistent" with their longstanding bilateral relationship.

Moreover, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov in February confirmed that Russia was seeking to formalize its continued use of the naval base in Tartus, a strategic facility on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and Moscow's only naval base in the region, under the new Syrian authorities.

However, the Syrian government terminated the long-standing contract with a Russian company managing the Tartus port. Instead, Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Ports World (DP World) worth $800 million, aimed at developing the Port of Tartus and expanding the country’s logistics infrastructure.