Putin and Sharaa discuss Russian base reorganization in Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday discussed plans to reorganize Moscow's military facilities at the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus Logistics Facility. The phone call marked the first known contact between the two leaders since Sharaa visited the Russian capital in January.

Kremlin highlights bilateral cooperation

The Kremlin said in a statement that the two presidents examined the current state of bilateral relations and prospects for further development. They expressed commitment to deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, economic and humanitarian sectors, according to the statement.

Support for Syrian sovereignty reaffirmed

During an exchange of views on the Syrian situation, Putin reaffirmed his "principled position in support of the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty" of Syria, as well as the "creation of conditions for long-term normalization and post-conflict reconstruction," according to the statement. Both sides emphasized the importance of the August 9 memorandum on reorganizing the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus Logistics Facility, agreeing to continue contacts at various levels.

Background on base negotiations

Moscow and Damascus signed the memorandum of understanding on August 9 to reorganize Russia's presence at the two strategic bases following approximately 18 months of negotiations, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said. The Hmeimim and Tartus facilities represent Moscow's primary military foothold in the eastern Mediterranean region.