Syrian Presidents Upcoming Moscow Visit Marks New Era in Bilateral Relations

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to travel to Moscow next month, as announced by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Damascus on Tuesday. This visit is viewed as a significant development in relations following the ousting of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad.

«We highly value the upcoming visit of the Syrian president to Moscow in October for the Russian-Arab summit,» Novak stated, emphasizing that the trip would «bolster bilateral ties.»

Accompanied by a substantial delegation, he remarked on the importance of «turning a new chapter in our bilateral relations» during a meeting with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, whom he referred to as «a promising regional partner.»

As reported by the state news agency SANA, discussions will center on «economic, security, defense, and political matters.»

Shaibani expressed that Syria and Russia are embarking on a new chapter «founded on mutual respect,» expressing enthusiasm for economic collaboration with Moscow and advocating for any foreign involvement that would assist Syrians in shaping their future.

Novak also proposed that Russia could serve as a mediator with Israel, which has conducted numerous strikes on Syria since the downfall of Assad, including a recent one on Monday according to Syrian state media.

«I would like to emphasize the unique opportunity for negotiations that Russia possesses by maintaining communication with Israeli leaders and all ethnic factions in Syria,» he noted. «We suggest utilizing this potential to stabilize the situation in Syria,» he continued, mentioning that Moscow and allies, including Qatar, are also discussing humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts in Syria’s energy sector.

The status of Russia’s naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim remains uncertain after Assad’s removal.

Neither Novak nor Shaibani, who made history in July as the first senior official of the Islamist-led transitional government to visit Russia, commented on the military bases.

In January, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov led a delegation that marked the first visit to Syria by Russian officials following Assad’s departure to Russia.