Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa discussed the significance of a memorandum on reorganizing Russia’s military presence at the Hmeimim and Tartus bases during a recent phone call. The Kremlin stated that both leaders emphasized the need for deeper political dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade and humanitarian efforts. Putin reiterated his support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while advocating for conditions conducive to long-term normalization and post-conflict reconstruction. The conversation follows the signing of the memorandum on August 9, which marked the culmination of 18 months of negotiations regarding the military bases. This call is the first known interaction between the two presidents since Sharaa’s visit to Moscow in January.
Why It Matters
Russia has maintained a significant military presence in Syria since its intervention in 2015, which has been crucial in supporting the Assad regime during the ongoing civil war. The Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Logistics Facility serve as strategic points for Russian operations in the region. The memorandum signed in August 2023 reflects ongoing military collaboration and solidifies Moscow’s role in Syria’s future, amid regional tensions and conflicts. This partnership is part of a broader effort by Russia to influence stability and security in the Middle East, particularly in the context of its opposition to Israeli actions that it views as violations of Syrian sovereignty.
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