Russia is seeking to maintain its Tartous naval base and an air base near the Mediterranean coast. Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has not ordered a Russian exit despite the fall of pro-Moscow dictator Bashar Assad.
Russian diplomats on Tuesday arrived in Syria for the first time since the fall of former dictator Bashar Assad in December.
Moscow was a crucial ally of Assad’s regime and has two military bases in Syria.
What do we know about the visit?
Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that the Russian delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Syria envoy Alexander Lavrentyev.
Russian state broadcaster RT and semi-official Syrian newspaper Al Watan reported that the Russian delegation would meet with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In an interview with the Saudi Arabian state-owned broadcaster Al-Arabiya conducted late in December, al-Sharaa emphasized the strong strategic ties between Moscow and Damascus.
“All Syria’s arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts … We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish,” he said, noting “deep strategic interests between Russia and Syria.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visited Syria in December and urged the country’s new rulers to expel Russian forces, arguing such a move would contribute to “stability” in the Middle East.
On Monday, EU foreign ministers agreed to begin easing sanctions on Syria after EU, German and French delegations visited Damascus.
DW News
