Russian delegation visits Syria
The recent change of power in Damascus "will not change the nature" of Russia-Syria relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov asserted.
Following Russia's first diplomatic visit to Syria since the country's leadership change, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that Moscow and Damascus intend to maintain their long-standing, stable, and mutually beneficial relationship.
Deputy Minister Bogdanov led the Russian delegation in talks with the head of the Syrian government, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, on January 28. The meeting was also attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa, and representatives from several Russian government agencies.
Mr. al-Sharaa, known by his alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani, became the de facto leader of Syria last month after his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group launched a surprise attack on Damascus, forcing former President Bashar Assad to leave the country.
Speaking to RT Arabic on January 28 after the talks, Deputy Minister Bogdanov emphasized that the recent change of power in Damascus "will not change the nature" of Russia-Syria relations. He said: "We affirm the fundamental immutability of the relationship between the two countries, which is strategic and aimed at protecting the unity and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic."
According to Bogdanov, the discussions also touched upon the continued maintenance of a Russian military presence in Syria, although no concrete agreement was reached.
"As far as we know, the status of the Russian facilities in Tartus and Khmeimim remains unchanged, and both sides have reached an agreement to continue extensive dialogue on various aspects of cooperation between the two countries," he said.
Moscow is ready to support the stabilization of Syria and the resolution of its economic and social challenges, Bogdanov added, noting that the new administration in Damascus has expressed "understanding and concern" for Russia's position.
He said the talks also covered trade, economic relations, and Moscow's continued participation in infrastructure projects built by Russia and the Soviet Union in Syria, including power plants and hydroelectric dams.
Last month, al-Sharaa told Al Arabiya News that Damascus and Moscow have "common strategic interests." "We do not want Russia to leave Syria in a way that undermines relations between the two countries," he emphasized.
