In a visit described as pivotal and carrying strategic messages, President Ahmed al-Shara arrived in Moscow, where he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a meeting that carried a very sensitive political, security and economic character, in the presence of senior officials from both sides, and considered by Russian media as "a step to re-engineer the relationship between the two countries in light of the profound transformations taking place in the Syrian arena."
In-depth conversations. And heavy files on the table
During the meeting, President Ahmed Al-Shara stressed the depth of Syrian-Russian relations and the importance of Russia's role in supporting Syria's unity and stability, noting that Syria has overcome major challenges over the past year, the latest of which was the unification of its territory, and expressed hope for a transition to stability and peace.
For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed President Ahmed Al-Shara, stressing the work to develop bilateral relations in various fields, especially the economy, noting that the relations between the two countries have deep roots and are witnessing continuous development, and that the return of the areas east of the Euphrates to the authority of the Syrian state constitutes an important step in strengthening the territorial integrity of Syria.
According to Russian media, the talks between the two presidents lasted for hours, and dealt with the reformulation of the strategic partnership between Damascus and Moscow, focusing on three main axes:
1) The Future of Russia's Military Presence in Syria
The military file was at the forefront of discussions, especially after the withdrawal of Russian forces in the northeast.
Russian coverage indicates that the two sides are looking at the future:
- Hmeimim Air Base
- Naval base in Tartous
- Long-term defense agreements
Russian media described the talks as a "comprehensive reassessment of military deployment to ensure the interests of both sides."
2) Rebuilding the post-transitional political relationship in Syria
Russian reports spoke of Moscow's clear desire to consolidate a stable relationship with the new Syrian leadership, noting that the legitimate president seeks to build more flexible international balances, without compromising the historical partnership with Russia, stressing that the Kremlin views the legitimate president as a "strong partner capable of managing a complex phase."
Putin: We support Syria's unity and stability
During the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed his country's support for President Al-Shara's efforts to restore Syrian territorial integrity and strengthen state institutions, stressing that Moscow "continues its partnership with Damascus on a more balanced and effective basis."
He also expressed Russia's readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, reconstruction, infrastructure, security and counter-terrorism, which Russian media considered "a sign of a new economic and political phase between the two countries."
It is noteworthy that this second visit of the legitimate president to Russia comes in the midst of a period of deep regional and international transformations, which explains Moscow and Damascus's efforts to arrange relations between them and inaugurate a new political phase entitled balance.