Russia's Deputy FM arrives in Damascus
Date
1/29/2025 7:12:10 AM
(MENAFN) Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, arrived in Damascus on Tuesday, marking the first visit by a Russian official to Syria since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Leading a high-level delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Bogdanov is set to meet with Syrian officials, including Ahmed Al-Shara, head of the new administration, and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani. In a statement to Russia Today, Bogdanov emphasized that the visit aims to reinforce the longstanding relationship between Russia and Syria, based on mutual interests. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to Syria’s unity, independence, territorial integrity, and efforts towards national reconciliation and social peace.
Russia has been a staunch ally of Assad, providing military support to help him reclaim territory from rebel forces throughout the ongoing conflict. However, after a surge in rebel activity late last year, Assad was forced to flee Damascus and seek refuge at the Russian-controlled Hmeimim air base before traveling to Moscow. Recent reports indicate that the new Syrian administration has canceled a contract with Russia's STG Stroytransgaz for managing the port of Tartus, which was signed under Assad's regime. Despite this, Syrian interim defense minister Marhaf Abu Qusra affirmed ongoing negotiations with Russia to define the future relationship between the two nations. He emphasized Syria's adherence to past agreements, though some modifications could be made through negotiations to serve Syria's interests. Later, Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Bogdanov stating that Russian-Syrian relations were progressing constructively, with hopes to maintain Russia’s military presence in Syria, including its naval base in Tartus and the air base at Hmeimim near Latakia.
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