Al-Sharaa Meets Putin to Discuss Russian Military Presence in Syria

SadaNews - Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow today, Wednesday, for talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding developments in the region.

The Syrian news agency "SANA" reported that Al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow on an official visit to discuss bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

The Kremlin stated that Putin and his counterpart Al-Sharaa will discuss the Russian military presence in Syria, and noted that they will also address economic cooperation and the situation in the Middle East.

Regarding the ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the issue of his handover, stating, "There is nothing to be said in this context."

He emphasized that relations with Syria are actively developing following the change of leadership.

The Syrian Presidency stated in a statement on Tuesday that Al-Sharaa will conduct an official visit to Russia on Wednesday (the duration of which was not specified), during which he will meet with the Russian president to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations between the two countries, in addition to discussing developments in the situation in the Middle East.

This is Al-Sharaa's second visit to Russia since he took office in late January 2025, while the first visit was in mid-October of the same year.

"SANA" reported at that time that Al-Sharaa discussed with Putin "the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance strategic cooperation in various fields."

Furthermore, "an extensive session was held at that time that gathered the two presidents in the presence of a number of senior officials from both sides, during which ways to enhance joint cooperation between Syria and Russia in various sectors were discussed," according to the agency.