Syrian FM voices desire for Russia’s partnership
(MENAFN) During an official visit to Moscow, Syria’s Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani expressed his government’s desire for close cooperation with Russia and emphasized the need for relations grounded in mutual respect. His remarks come after the fall of Syria’s long-standing, Moscow-aligned leadership last year.
The former president, Bashar al-Assad, once a central figure in Russia’s Middle East alliances, was reportedly forced to flee to Russia after rebel forces swiftly overthrew his government. This marked the end of nearly 50 years of Assad family rule.
Russia maintains strategic military facilities in Syria, including a naval base in Tartus and an airbase in Hmeimim—its only official military installations outside the former Soviet bloc. The future of these outposts remains uncertain under the country’s new Islamist-led administration, which replaced Assad's regime.
"The current period is full of various challenges and threats, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And, of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side on this path," he told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during a visit to Moscow, according to a Russian translation of his comments.
Al-Shaibani acknowledged that there are multiple issues affecting bilateral ties, stressing the need for equal footing in the relationship.
"But, of course, there are a number of factors that determine and complicate these relations on the ground," al Shaibani said, adding that the relations should be based on "mutual respect."
The continuation of Russia’s military presence in Syria remains a point of speculation, especially considering Moscow’s previous backing of Assad’s forces during the civil war, which involved extensive Russian airstrikes against Islamist opposition factions.
Lavrov, for his part, affirmed Russia’s willingness to aid Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Lavrov said Russia was "ready to provide the Syrian people with all possible assistance in post-conflict reconstruction."
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