Post-Assad Syria reaffirms strategic ties with Russia in first Moscow visit

Syria’s new government signaled its intention to maintain close ties with Moscow, as Foreign Minister Assaad el-Chaibani made his first official visit to Russia on Thursday since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.

In a statement during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Chaibani emphasized Syria’s desire to keep Russia as a strategic partner during a critical transitional period.

“This is a time filled with challenges and threats. But it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And of course, we want Russia by our side on this path,” said Chaibani, according to a Russian translation of his remarks.

Russia had long been one of Assad’s staunchest allies, playing a decisive military role in 2015 when it intervened in Syria’s civil war. Russian airstrikes were pivotal in propping up Assad’s regime and crushing rebel forces, often at a high humanitarian cost.

Following Assad’s ouster and subsequent exile to Russia, the new Syrian leadership, now backed by the United States, has taken a pragmatic approach—preserving dialogue with Moscow while redefining its foreign policy priorities.

Military Bases and Post-War Reconstruction

During his visit, Chaibani is expected to discuss the future of Russia’s two key military installations in Syria: the Tartous naval base and the Hmeimim airbase, both located along the Mediterranean coast. These sites are seen as vital to Russia’s regional military presence and access to the Middle East.

Lavrov, for his part, reiterated Russia’s commitment to Syria, stating that Moscow is “ready to provide all possible assistance to the Syrian people for post-conflict reconstruction.”

The visit underlines the delicate balancing act the new Syrian government is performing—seeking Western support and legitimacy while managing the legacy and ongoing influence of its former ally, Russia.