Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss expanding military, political and economic cooperation, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. The talks follow an October visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to honour all past agreements with Moscow signalling continuity in relations despite Syria’s leadership change after rebels led by Sharaa ousted Bashar al-Assad last year.
Why It Matters
The meeting underscores Russia’s continued influence in Syria even after Assad’s fall. By reaffirming defence and economic ties, Damascus appears keen to secure military support, reconstruction assistance, and political backing, while Moscow seeks to preserve strategic footholds, including its military bases in Syria, amid shifting regional dynamics.
- Syrian government (President Ahmed al-Sharaa) – Aiming to consolidate power and rebuild state institutions.
- Russia (President Vladimir Putin) – Seeking to maintain military presence and strategic leverage in the Middle East.
- Syrian military – Set to benefit from equipment modernisation and expertise transfer.
- Regional and Western powers – Watching closely for signs of Russia’s long-term role in post-Assad Syria.
What’s Next
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to hold talks with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. Further announcements on defence cooperation, reconstruction projects, or investment deals could follow, offering clearer signals on how deeply Russia will re-embed itself in Syria’s post-war future.
With information from Reuters.