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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani shake arms on the finish of a joint press convention following their assembly in Moscow on July 31, 2025. | Photo Credit: AFP
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani appealed for Russia’s help at talks in Moscow, the place Assad had reportedly fled after he was ousted after a lightning offensive by rebels final 12 months.
It was the primary time a high-ranking Syrian official visited Russia, previously Assad’s greatest backer, since he was overthrown.
“Of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side,” Mr. Shaibani advised his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, however mentioned there have been components complicating relations.
Russia’s naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim — each on Syria’s Mediterranean coast — are Moscow’s solely official navy outposts outdoors the previous Soviet Union.
Moscow had used the bases extensively throughout its intervention within the civil struggle on Assad’s facet in 2015, with heavy air bombardments of rebel-held areas.
It was unclear whether or not the brand new Islamist authorities will enable Moscow to maintain its outposts within the nation.
Mr. Lavrov mentioned Moscow was prepared to assist Syria rebuild after greater than a decade of devastating battle and to evaluation “agreements and contracts concluded under different conditions.”
This was echoed by his Syrian counterpart, who mentioned a evaluation of the agreements was wanted to know whether or not they have been “serving the needs of the Syrian people.”
Neither of the Ministers talked about whether or not the navy bases lease, which lasts until 2066, was underneath dialogue.
Syria wants “friends and partners” on its transition path, al-Shaibani advised a press convention after the talks. Mr. Lavrov mentioned Russia’s historic help for Syria “doesn’t depend on the political situation or changes of government.”
Published – July 31, 2025 09:27 pm IST
