Russia, New Syrian Leadership Hold First High-Level Contact

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, have held a phone conversation, marking the first high-level communication between the two countries since the change in Syrian leadership in December, Al Jazeera reports.

The call signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the relationship following the rise of al-Sharaa and his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group.

Al-Sharaa’s forces took control of Damascus after a rapid offensive, resulting in former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad seeking asylum in Russia.

According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, al-Sharaa emphasized during the call the importance of “strong strategic ties between the two countries” and Syria’s willingness to engage with “all parties” in a manner that promotes “the interests of the Syrian people” and reinforces “Syria’s stability and security.” The statement also indicated that Putin extended an invitation for Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to visit Russia.

The Kremlin released a statement highlighting Russia’s continued support for “the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Syrian state.”

The conversation occurs as Russia aims to secure its presence at its naval base in Tartus and its airbase in Khmeimim, both situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. These bases serve as key strategic assets for Russia.

Recent reports suggested that the new Syrian government had proposed the return of al-Assad in exchange for allowing Russia to maintain its military bases.

The future of Russia’s involvement in Syria remains to be seen as it navigates the evolving political landscape.

Meanwhile, the Syrian interim government announced the establishment of a seven-member preparatory committee to help determine the country’s future course.