Putin and al-Sharaa Hold High-Level Talks on Bilateral Ties and Strategic Military Bases

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russia's President Vladimir Putin recently convened for a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on October 15, 2025, to discuss critical diplomatic matters, including the future of strategic military facilities.

During a telephone conversation on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s steadfast support for Syria’s territorial integrity while strongly condemning Israeli attacks and violations of Syrian sovereignty, according to reports from the Syrian news agency SANA.

The Kremlin highlighted that the high-level dialogue also focused on deepening political cooperation and expanding trade relations between the two nations. These discussions were specifically aimed at fostering the further development and strengthening of bilateral ties, SANA noted.

Nevertheless, the ongoing status of the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base—both of vital strategic importance to Russia—remains the central subject of negotiations between Damascus and Moscow. The Kremlin stated that diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria will be sustained through continued contacts across various levels.

Both sides emphasized the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding On the Reorganisation of the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus Material-Technical Support Point, which was officially signed on August 9. Earlier this month, Syria announced the conclusion of an agreement following 18 months of intensive negotiations. Under this deal, the Khmeimim and Tartous installations will be transitioned into joint training and capacity-building centers, with the Syrian government assuming control over civilian facilities at both locations.

Historically, Russia provided crucial military backing to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad throughout the 13-year civil war, utilizing military intervention to maintain his regime in power while expanding its strategic footprint at the Khmeimim air base and Tartous naval base situated along the Mediterranean coast.

Following the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, President Vladimir Putin has actively engaged in building diplomatic relations with the new Syrian government. These efforts are primarily designed to secure the long-term future of the military bases, which remain essential for Moscow's ongoing influence throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.