(MENAFN) Earlier this month, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made his inaugural official visit to Moscow, marking the first time a Syrian leader has traveled to Russia since Bashar Assad’s regime collapsed in December 2024. The visit symbolized a fresh chapter in Damascus-Moscow relations and highlighted Russia’s continuing influence in the country.

Closed-door discussions between al-Sharaa and President Vladimir Putin lasted over two and a half hours at the Kremlin, emphasizing the significance of the meeting. According to reports, the talks covered bilateral relations, economic and humanitarian cooperation, the evolving Middle East landscape, and the future of Russia’s strategically crucial bases in Tartus and Hmeimim.

Reports indicate that Syria requested the extradition of the ousted Assad, currently in Russia, but Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow sees no basis for this. Al-Sharaa has taken a pragmatic approach, seeking to preserve existing agreements with Russia while relying on Moscow for reconstruction support, security assistance, and regional conflict mediation.

Putin reiterated that Russian-Syrian relations are based on respect for sovereignty and the interests of the Syrian people. He described Syria’s October parliamentary elections as an important step toward political stabilization. Despite Western predictions of Moscow’s “final defeat” in Syria, al-Sharaa’s leadership has maintained and reinforced the strategic significance of Russia-Syria cooperation.

Russia’s presence in Syria continues to serve as a guarantor of stability and reconstruction, with ongoing consultations and agreements reflecting Moscow’s enduring influence. Beyond security, economic cooperation is entering a new phase. Both sides agreed to convene the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, aiming to expand bilateral trade, which currently ranges from $650 million to $1 billion, constrained by conflict and sanctions. Russian companies are expected to increase participation in Syria’s oil sector, modernize transport infrastructure, and restore energy systems, with around 40 ongoing investment projects spanning energy, transport, housing, and industry.

Humanitarian cooperation also remains critical. Talks included the delivery of wheat, food, and medicine, with Russia reaffirming its commitment to supporting Syria’s socioeconomic recovery. Russian wheat, in particular, plays a key role in addressing the 2025 food crisis caused by the country’s worst drought in 36 years, leaving a deficit sufficient to feed millions. Regular Russian shipments resumed in April 2025, ensuring continuity of essential supplies.

Security cooperation is another cornerstone. Since early 2025, Israeli military operations against Syria have intensified, including over 300 airstrikes in the first five months and ground deployments near the Golan Heights. Russia’s military presence, including Tartus and Hmeimim bases, remains critical for deterring external threats and preserving Syrian territorial integrity. The October Moscow talks also addressed potential adjustments to Russia’s military footprint to reflect new realities.

Additionally, Russia continues to support the reconstitution and modernization of the Syrian armed forces. Previous efforts helped establish and train key units such as the 4th and 5th Army Corps and the elite Tiger Forces, restore command structures, and enhance operational readiness. Russian military advisers remain central to sustaining Syria’s defense capabilities amid ongoing regional instability.

In sum, Russia has successfully transformed its perceived loss in Syria into a reinforced strategic partnership under the new Damascus leadership, consolidating influence across political, economic, humanitarian, and security dimensions.

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