Lavrov: Putin and Al-Shar Discussed Russian Military Bases in Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Wednesday that the issue of Russian military bases in Syria was discussed during the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ahmed Al-Shar, the head of the Syrian Interim Government, in Moscow. Lavrov emphasized that “everything was discussed” during the talks.

Earlier, Lavrov had mentioned that Syria is interested in maintaining Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, suggesting that these bases could potentially be transformed into humanitarian centers.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that the topic of Russian military bases in Syria would be addressed during the negotiations between Putin and Al-Shar.

At the beginning of the meeting, Al-Shar, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, highlighted the extensive historical ties between Russia and Syria. He expressed Syria’s desire to revive its political and strategic relations with regional and global powers, with Russia at the forefront.

Al-Shar added that Damascus respects all agreements and aims to restore these relations in a positive manner.