Syrian Defense Minister names conditions for keeping Russian military bases

Syria will keep the Russian military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim on its territory if it is to its advantage. Murhaf Abu Qasra, defense minister of the Syrian transitional government, told The Washington Post on February 7.

"If we benefit Syria from it, yes," he said when asked whether Russia would be allowed to keep its naval port in Tartus and the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia.

Kasra noted that Syrian-Russian relations could be restored if they meet the interests of the Syrian side first and foremost.

At the moment, the defense minister added, the agreement on the military presence of the Russian side has not changed, but it "requires additional negotiations" in the future.

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Earlier, on January 28, it was reported that a delegation of Russian representatives, which included Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, arrived on an official visit to Syria for the first time since the change of power in the Arab Republic. The Russian inter-ministerial delegation held talks with Syrian Chief of Staff Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. They were held in a "traditionally friendly character".

Before that, on January 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdel Rahman Al-Thani held talks by phone, expressing support for Syria's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The ministers pointed out that the international community should help stabilize the situation in the Arab Republic as soon as possible.

On December 26, 2024, Lavrov said that Russia is interested in a dialog with the new Syrian authorities. Moscow plans to discuss not only security issues but also the regional agenda.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on December 8 that Bashar al-Assad, after negotiations with the opposition, left the post of head of state and left the country, indicating to conduct the transfer of power peacefully.

The situation in Syria escalated as a result of a major attack by armed formations in Aleppo and Idlib, which began on November 28 and led to the Syrian army's retaliation against the militants.