The Russian delegation first came to Syria since Mr. Assad was overthrown

The Russian delegation came to Syria today were Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and the Special Envoy of the Russian President on Syria Alexander Lavrentyev. “This is the first time the Russian delegation has come to Damascus since Mr. Bashar al-Assad left the country’s leadership seat,” said the news agency. ” Ria Novosti said.

The Russian delegation is expected to meet Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Secretary of State Asaad Al-Shaibani and other officials in the new government in Damascus. Mr. Bogdanov described the visit to strengthen “historical relations based on the common interests” between the two countries, emphasizing Russia’s hope for Syrian and independent Syria.

Russia seems to want to continue to maintain its presence at Hmeymim military airport and Tartus port, western Syria. Russia in 2017 signed a contract with the Assad government to hire and use these two bases for 49 years.

Syrian interim leader Al-Sharaa in December 2024 said he paid attention to “deep strategic benefits between Moscow and Damascus”. Al-Sharaa is the leader Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading force of the opposition alliance overthrowing the Al-Assad government.

“All weapons in Syria are native to Russia and many power plants managed by Russian experts. We don’t want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some parties want,” Al-Sharaa said.