Syria’s foreign and defence ministers have met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss expanding strategic military cooperation, with Syrian state media highlighting a strong focus on defence ties.
According to SANA, the talks covered political, economic and military issues, but placed particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation in military industries, modernising the Syrian army and transferring Russian expertise. The discussions included developing Syria’s defensive capabilities through joint research, technical partnerships and upgrades to equipment, underscoring Moscow’s continued military role in the country.
Alongside defence matters, both sides stressed the importance of sustained political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow, as well as expanded economic cooperation in reconstruction and infrastructure. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s steadfast support for Syria’s territorial integrity and condemned repeated Israeli strikes, while signalling Moscow’s commitment to maintaining its strategic presence.
That presence is centred on Russia’s Khmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, which Moscow is keen to keep operating under new agreements with the post-Assad government. Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Russia is seeking to preserve these key military bases as pillars of its renewed relationship with Damascus and as anchors of its long-term influence in Syria.
Russia’s Tartus base
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