Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Moscow marks a significant development in the country’s relations with Russia. Despite Russia’s support for former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new rulers are taking a pragmatic approach to relations with Moscow. Al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of having Russia “by our side” during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, highlighting the potential for cooperation in building a united and strong Syria.
The Syrian government is navigating a complex web of international relations, with Russia playing a crucial role. Lavrov and al-Shaibani discussed bilateral ties, international and regional issues, and the situation on the ground. Al-Shaibani noted that while there are challenges in the relationship, Syria is interested in working with Russia based on “mutual respect”. This approach reflects the new government’s efforts to balance its relations with various global powers.
Russia has expressed willingness to support Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Lavrov stated that Russia is “ready to provide the Syrian people with all possible assistance in post-conflict reconstruction”. This commitment is significant, given Russia’s military involvement in Syria and its interests in the region. The two countries also discussed the safety of Russian citizens and facilities in Syria, with Lavrov thanking the Syrian government for its efforts to ensure their security.
The status of Russia’s military bases in Syria remains uncertain. Russia has a naval base in Tartous and an airbase at Khmeimim, both situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. These bases are Moscow’s only official military outposts outside the former Soviet Union. While it is unclear whether the new Syrian government will allow Moscow to keep its bases, Lavrov’s comments suggest that Russia is interested in maintaining its military presence in the country.
The meeting between Lavrov and al-Shaibani also touched on regional issues, including the recent clashes between Syrian government forces and armed groups from the Druze religious minority. Israel’s involvement in these clashes has added complexity to the situation, with Damascus emphasizing the need for respect for Syrian sovereignty. Al-Sharaa publicly thanked Russia for its “strong position in rejecting Israeli strikes and repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty”.
In conclusion, Syria’s new government is seeking to build a pragmatic relationship with Russia, despite their complicated past. The two countries are exploring areas of cooperation, including post-conflict reconstruction and security. However, the status of Russia’s military bases in Syria and the extent of its involvement in the country’s affairs remain to be seen.