Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara's Visit to Russia (2025)

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara made a visit to Moscow on 15 October 2025. This visit marked his first official engagement with Russia since assuming office in December 2024.

President Ahmed al-Shara with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, 15 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Statements Prior to the Visit

Before the visit, the Kremlin stated that during the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara in Moscow, the current state and future expectations of political, commercial, economic and humanitarian relations between the two countries would be discussed. The Kremlin statement also indicated that recent developments in the Middle East would be assessed during the talks.

At a press conference on 15 October 2025, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was “expectable” that Russian military bases in Syria would be raised during the meeting with Putin. Peskov noted that the issue would “somehow be addressed during the talks” but clarified that no joint press conference would be held after the discussions.

On the same day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, during her weekly press briefing, stated that the bilateral agenda between Russia and Syria covered a broad range of issues and that Russia’s military presence in Syria was being evaluated within this framework. Zakharova confirmed that the possible reorganization of military facilities was also on the agenda and emphasized that such matters are naturally conducted “behind closed doors.”

President Ahmed al-Shara’s Arrival in Moscow

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The visit was his first official engagement since assuming office in December 2024. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the visit was organized to strengthen bilateral relations between Syria and Russia and to discuss regional and international developments.

President Ahmed al-Shara in Moscow, 15 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

President al-Shara traveled to Moscow with a high-level delegation. The delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hasan al-Shibani, Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Murhaf Abu Qasra, Director of General Intelligence Hussein al-Salameh, and Presidential Chief of Staff Mahir al-Shara.

On the first day of the visit, President al-Shara met with a delegation from the Syrian community in Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hasan al-Shibani also attended the meeting. During this encounter, emphasis was placed on the importance of Syrians living abroad in contributing to their country’s reconstruction and development process, and the diaspora’s role in reflecting Syria’s true image was highlighted.

Kremlin Meeting

On 15 October 2025, President Ahmed al-Shara met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. The main agenda items included the redefinition of bilateral relations, the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria, energy and infrastructure cooperation, and current developments in the Middle East.

President Ahmed al-Shara with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, 15 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Putin noted that Russia and Syria have maintained a special relationship for decades. He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1944 and emphasized that these ties have always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people rather than political conjunctures or narrow interests.

According to Kremlin sources, the parties expressed their desire to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, transportation, defense and education. The majority of the talks were held in closed sessions, with limited information released to the press.

President al-Shara stated during the meeting that Syria had entered a “new phase of redefinition and reconstruction” in its relations with Russia. He said, “We seek to redefine the nature of these relations on the basis of Syria’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability.”

Al-Shara also affirmed that Syria would respect all previously signed agreements and continue their implementation. In this context, he said, “We have historical ties and shared interests with Russia; we will uphold all agreements with respect and redefine our relations.”

President Ahmed al-Shara with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, 15 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

The Syrian president highlighted Russia’s expertise in energy and infrastructure and stressed its decisive role in rebuilding Syria’s energy sector. He also underscored that Syria places great importance on Russia’s contribution during this “new phase.”

In his remarks during the meeting, Vladimir Putin described the Syrian parliamentary elections held in October 2025 as “an important development that strengthens the cohesion of Syrian society.” He added, “These elections represent a step toward reinforcing bonds and interactions among all political forces in Syria.”

Putin also announced that the Intergovernmental Commission between the two countries, established in 1993, had resumed its activities. He noted that the commission, chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, is working to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, health, culture and tourism.

Putin stated, “Many important ideas have emerged; we are ready to do everything necessary to turn these ideas into reality,” affirming Russia’s intention to maintain regular diplomatic contacts with Damascus. He also emphasized that both countries had agreed to continue regular consultations between their foreign ministries.

Issues Discussed During the Meeting

The future of Russia’s military presence in Syria and the potential reorganization of existing bases were discussed during the talks. Kremlin sources confirmed that the status of the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus Naval Base was on the agenda. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the issue would be “somehow addressed during the talks” and confirmed that no joint press conference would follow the meeting. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara emphasized Syria’s intention to continue military and strategic cooperation with Russia while reaffirming respect for all previous agreements.

Following the talks, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia was ready to enhance cooperation with Syria in the oil and energy sectors. Novak noted that Russian companies have long operated in Syria and that Russia could participate in the development of new and unused oil fields.

Novak also affirmed that Russia would support the reconstruction of Syria’s energy, transportation and infrastructure systems. According to Novak, the parties agreed that the Intergovernmental Commission would convene shortly to develop projects in trade, health, tourism and culture.

Humanitarian and economic assistance to Syria was also addressed during the talks. Novak revealed that Syria’s requests regarding wheat, food and medicine supplies were discussed. In this context, it was stated that the relevant institutions of both countries would coordinate their efforts in these areas.