Visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara to Moscow (2026)

Ahmed al-Shara’s Visit to Moscow, a state working visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara to Moscow on 28 January 2026 to discuss bilateral relations, Syria’s transition process and developments in the Middle East with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks were held at the Kremlin Palace.

Background of the Visit

President Ahmed al-Shara’s visit to Moscow follows previous contacts and was organized after The official visit carried out on October 15, 2025. The meeting on 15 October 2025 marked al-Shara’s first official engagement in Moscow since assuming the presidency following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s administration at the end of December 2024.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on 28 January that bilateral relations have been actively developing since the change in leadership in Syria. Peskov also noted an increase in contacts regarding economic cooperation and regional issues during this period.

Delegations

President Ahmed al-Shara was accompanied during his official visit to Moscow by Presidential Chief of Staff Mahir al-Shara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asad al-Shaybani, Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Duhhan, Assistant Director of the Russia Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ashhad al-Salebi, and Syrian Arab Army Security Official Muayyad al-Hasan.

The talks were held at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Syrian President al-Shara’s arrival in Moscow was broadcast live by the Russian state television channel Rossiya-24. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the visit aimed to deepen bilateral relations and address regional developments. The Kremlin described al-Shara’s visit as a “working visit.” This marked al-Shara’s second trip to Moscow within four months, following his first visit in October 2025.

Pre-Meeting Statements and Kremlin Announcements

On 27 January 2026, the Kremlin issued a written statement announcing that Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet with Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmed al-Shara in Moscow on 28 January. The Kremlin statement indicated that the talks would focus on “the current state and development potential of bilateral relations in various areas and the current situation in the Middle East.” It further emphasized that the discussions would also cover Syria’s “transition period.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, during a press briefing in Moscow on 28 January, stated, “There is no doubt that all issues regarding our military presence in Syria will be on the agenda today.” Peskov affirmed that relations between the two countries have been actively developing since the change in leadership in Syria, saying, “Relations with the Syrian Arab Republic are actively developing following the change in leadership.”

Peskov also addressed claims circulating in some media outlets regarding the return of Bashar al-Assad, stating, “We do not comment on the issue of Assad.” Regarding questions about the Russian presence at Kamishly Airport, he said, “The deployment of Russian armed forces on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. We recommend you contact them on this matter.”

Kremlin Meeting and Topics Discussed

President Ahmed al-Shara and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a comprehensive meeting on 28 January 2026 at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. The discussions covered the current state of bilateral relations, economic cooperation, Syria’s territorial integrity and regional developments.

Speaking at the outset of the meeting, Putin recalled that diplomatic relations between the former Soviet Union and Syria were established in 1944, stating, “Relations with Syria have deep roots. Thanks to your efforts, relations between Syria and Russia are developing in line with new realities.” Putin noted his previous meeting with al-Shara last year and continued, “Since our last meeting, much has been done to rebuild relations between our states. The level of economic cooperation has increased. There is a four percent rise in bilateral trade volume. This may be below our expectations, but it is a notable development. Therefore, this trend must be sustained. A great deal is being done to enhance our relations in all areas.”

Putin affirmed that Russian and Syrian institutions continue their cooperation, noting that “a Russian government delegation visited Syria and conducted productive work.” He expressed Russia’s intention to collaborate with Syria in various fields and stated that Russian companies are ready to participate in Syria’s reconstruction process.

Putin expressed appreciation for al-Shara’s efforts toward restoring Syria’s territorial integrity, stating, "We congratulate you because this process is gaining momentum. We have always maintained that Syria’s territorial integrity must be restored. We support all your initiatives in this regard. The integration of the Euphrates region is a significant step in this direction. We hope this will contribute to the reestablishment of Syria’s territorial integrity."

Speaking during his second visit to Russia, Syrian President al-Shara remarked, "On my way from the airport here, I saw a great deal of snow, which reminded me of history. I recalled how some parties attempted to reach Moscow through numerous military operations, and then remembered both the courage demonstrated by the Russian people and how the weather helped resist these attacks."

Al-Shara noted that thirteen delegations have visited between the two countries so far, adding, "There are many topics we can consult on and collaborate in. I hope we will address these during our discussions and that the talks will be productive." He emphasized that Syria has made considerable progress over the past year and recalled that "sanctions imposed on Syria have been lifted."

President al-Shara underscored the importance of restoring Syria’s territorial integrity, saying, "Certainly, the greatest challenge is uniting Syrian territories. We have been focusing on this issue since last year. Russia is playing a vital role in the process of improving the situation in Syria and the region. Our region desperately needs stability. Therefore, I am grateful for your initiatives on this matter."