Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said in remarks from Moscow, reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), that “Syria looks forward to establishing proper and sound relations with Russia based on cooperation and respect,” considering that Syria is facing a stage full of challenges, but “there are great opportunities for a strong and united Syria, and we aspire for Russia to stand by us on this path,” according to al-Shibani.

Al-Shibani arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, on Wednesday, 31 July, marking the first official visit by a Syrian government representative since the fall of the former Assad regime on 8 December 2024.

At the press conference that brought together al-Shibani and his Russian counterpart following the session on 31 July, the two sides announced a reconsideration of the previous economic agreements signed between them.

Lavrov expressed his country’s desire to intensify dialogue with Damascus, adding: “We agreed to cooperate to overcome the challenges, and we reaffirmed our keenness to preserve Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence.”

Al-Sharaa Invited to Visit Moscow

Lavrov affirmed that Russia opposes attempts by some to destabilize Syria and use it as a platform for settling scores, pointing out that the steps taken by Syria and announced by President Ahmad al-Sharaa will help the country overcome its current crisis.

Lavrov said that Russia is looking forward to a visit from Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, to attend the upcoming Arab-Russian Summit scheduled for 15 October.

Minister al-Shibani considered dialogue with Russia a “strategic step” that supports Syria’s future, adding: “We are in the reconstruction phase and need all partners. We are working to benefit from the lessons of the past to build the future.”

Russia had been the primary ally and most prominent international backer of the deposed Assad regime. It has been militarily involved in the conflict in Syria since 30 September 2015. Russian air power and significant military support helped Assad’s regime regain control over vast areas of Syrian territory.

Transitional Justice

During the press conference with the Russian minister, Minister al-Shibani addressed several issues concerning Syria, most notably the partnership with Russia in the path of transitional justice.

Russia is currently hosting the deposed regime head, Bashar al-Assad, his family, and several of his close associates. Assad is accused by Syrians of being the chief architect behind crimes and violations committed against the Syrian people, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians and the arrest and enforced disappearance of thousands.

Al-Shibani expressed Syria’s desire for full cooperation and coordination with Russia to “support the path of transitional justice in a way that restores dignity to the victims,” pointing out that Syrian-Russian relations are at a “critical and historic juncture” and that cooperation with Russia is based on “mutual respect.”

Israeli Attacks

During the press conference, al-Shibani addressed Israeli actions on Syrian territory since the fall of Assad until now.

Israel has carried out airstrikes targeting Syrian army positions and ammunition depots since the regime’s fall, citing national security concerns. It has also occupied areas along the bordering strip.

In late July, Israel intervened under the pretext of “protecting the Druze” during the recent events in As-Suwayda, striking army positions on the outskirts of the city, as well as bombing the General Staff headquarters in Damascus and areas near the presidential palace.

Al-Shibani stated that the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory fuel violence and destabilize the situation, asserting that Israel’s interventions complicate the scene on the Syrian stage.

Lavrov, for his part, said that “Israeli attacks on Syrian territory violate international law and must be stopped.”

Following the meeting between al-Shibani and Lavrov, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra met with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, to discuss several mutual issues, according to the official news agency SANA.

Meeting Content

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin stated ahead of the al-Shibani-Lavrov meeting that Minister Lavrov would discuss bilateral relations and the regional situation with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Moscow.

In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Vershinin said, “The subject of any negotiations is broad. We will discuss trade and economic cooperation as well as regional political issues. The Middle East today, and even in the past, has always been a focal point in consultations between the two countries.”

He noted that the talks would pay particular attention to ways of helping Syria emerge from its difficult situation, pointing out that discussions on the work of Russian military bases on Syrian territory would continue.

He added: “Contacts are ongoing regarding the Russian bases in Syria in a manner that guarantees the security of our forces and considers the importance of our bases for regional security.”

Regarding the bases, the Russian deputy foreign minister said: “Given the difficult situation in the region and even in Syria itself, our bases can play a significant role in delivering and securing humanitarian aid to Syria.”

Russian bases were reportedly involved in supporting remnants of the Assad regime during the coastal events that occurred between 6 and 10 March.

A security source told Enab Baladi at the time about coordination between the Russian Hmeimim base and these remnants to support what was called the “Liberation of the Coast” operation.

The Russian base provided weapons and equipment to these groups from a gate near the village of Bustan al-Basha, located about 2.7 kilometers from the base. The village is administratively affiliated with the city of Jableh in the Latakia Governorate.