Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia
On Wednesday, Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow for an official visit, marking his first foreign trip since taking office. Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s desire to rebuild its international relations, especially with Russia, amid ongoing regional instability.
The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties, including Russia’s military presence in Syria and cooperation in economic, defense, and energy sectors. Notably, al-Sharaa requested the extradition of former President Bashar al-Assad for trial over alleged crimes, signaling a break from the Assad era while maintaining pragmatic relations with Moscow.
Putin reaffirmed the long-standing Russia-Syria friendship, noting cooperation on the infrastructure and energy sectors. Al-Sharaa also highlighted Syria’s aim to regain its international standing and expressed gratitude for Russia’s support in Syria’s reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of energy cooperation.
This visit follows al-Sharaa’s recent public remarks condemning Israeli airstrikes while calling for de-escalation. He also reiterated his commitment to prosecuting war crimes while navigating the delicate balance of diplomacy amidst Syria’s challenging post-war rebuilding process. Despite his past militant affiliations, al-Sharaa’s leadership seeks to chart a path of peace and reconstruction, aiming to redefine Syria’s alliances in a post-Assad era.
