Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has underscored the strategic importance of Syria’s relationship with Russia, emphasizing the need for Moscow’s support on the international stage, particularly within the UN Security Council. Al-Sharaa, in an interview with the Washington Post, highlighted that Syria relies on Russia’s backing for key votes and that the two nations share significant strategic interests. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by Damascus to reestablish its ties with global powers following the fall of the previous government, which had been backed by Russia.
Since seizing power in December of last year, al-Sharaa, who previously led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted former President Bashar Assad, has made several foreign trips to rebuild Syria’s international connections. In October, al-Sharaa was hosted in Moscow by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who praised the deep historical ties between the two countries and expressed confidence in the future of their partnership. Al-Sharaa has also reiterated his commitment to honoring past commitments with Russia, emphasizing the country’s transition to a ‘new Syria.’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has recently acknowledged the need to revise the mission of Russian forces in Syria, suggesting that the military bases could be repurposed into humanitarian hubs. Despite the ouster of the Assad government, which saw Moscow grant former President Assad and his family political asylum, Russia has remained engaged with the new leadership, maintaining its military presence at the Khmeimim Airbase and the Tartus naval facility. Officials in the new Syrian government have indicated that Damascus is open to allowing Russia to maintain these bases as long as their presence benefits the country.
The continued Russian presence in Syria is seen as a critical factor in the country’s political and economic stability. Al-Sharaa’s government has made it clear that it values the partnership with Moscow and is keen to ensure that the relationship remains a cornerstone of Syria’s foreign policy. As both nations navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, their collaboration is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Syria and its relations with the international community.