Syria’s Sharaa seeks to ‘redefine’ ties with Russia during Moscow visit • FRANCE 24 English

Syria’s Sharaa seeks to ‘redefine’ ties with Russia during Moscow visit • FRANCE 24 English

The two leaders were once on opposing sides of the war in Syria. But on Ahmed Al- Shar’s first visit to Russia since coming to power in a lightning offensive last December, the Syrian president was given a warm welcome by Vladimir Putin. Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very pleased to welcome you to Moscow. Our countries have developed a special relationship over many decades. That special relationship though was forged with Bashar al-Assad, whom Russia helped support militarily against rebels from 2015 and he was later granted asylum in Moscow when he was toppled by al-Shar last year. Damascus wants Moscow to hand over Assad to face trial over alleged crimes against Syrians, a request Putin is unlikely to grant, but there is room for agreement in other areas. For Syria, energy cooperation and economic concessions are priorities as it rebuilds its wars shattered country. While Moscow wants to keep its bases in Syria, a naval base in Tartus, and an air base that are crucial for maintaining Russia’s military presence in the Mediterranean. We are linked by a number of things, including a part of Syrian food, which comes from Russia, as well as our energy, which relies on Russian expertise. We also have strategic relationships both regionally and internationally. We respect our common history and will uphold our previously signed agreements. We are trying to redefine our relationship with Russia, emphasizing the independence and sovereignty of Syria, our territorial integrity and our national security that is connected to international security. Ties with Damascus are also important for the Kremlin as part of its efforts to expand Russia’s clout in the Middle East and Africa. While Russia offers Ashar a way to diversify Syria’s foreign policy as he steers the country in from international isolation.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Wednesday he wanted to ‘redefine’ relations with Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted him in their first meeting since key Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted last year.

Read more about this story in our article: https://f24.my/BV2c.y

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE – Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen
Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen
Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen
Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen
Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen