Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held discussions covering bilateral relations and the future of Russian military bases in the Middle Eastern country, according to Reuters and AFP. The telephone conversation on Wednesday underscored Moscow`s commitment to deepening political dialogue and enhancing trade cooperation with Damascus.
During the call, President Putin reaffirmed Moscow`s unwavering support for Syria`s territorial integrity and reiterated Russia`s strong rejection of Israeli attacks and violations of Syrian sovereignty. Syrian state news agency SANA reported that both leaders emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties through ongoing diplomatic engagement at various levels.
Central to the discussions was the status of the strategic Khmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base, which have long served as vital assets for Russian military operations in the region. The leaders reviewed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 9, which outlines plans to transition both installations into joint training and capacity-building centers while transferring control of civilian facilities to Syria.
Following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, President Putin has actively worked to establish stable diplomatic channels with the new Syrian administration to secure Moscow`s enduring military footprint. Maintaining access to these Mediterranean facilities remains a cornerstone of Russia`s broader geopolitical strategy across the Middle East and North Africa.
What remains uncertain is how the practical implementation of the military base agreement will unfold amidst shifting regional alliances. Both Moscow and Damascus have signaled their intention to maintain continuous diplomatic communication to address any emerging security challenges.
