Putin to host Syrian President Sharaa in first moscow visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to host Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his first official visit to Moscow, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting Wednesday, indicating the leaders will address the current status and future direction of Russian-Syrian relations across political, economic, and humanitarian domains.

Bilateral Discussion Agenda

According to an official Kremlin statement, the presidential meeting will focus on "the current state and future prospects of Russia-Syria ties in politics, trade and economy, and cultural and humanitarian affairs." The discussions will also encompass recent Middle Eastern regional developments, reflecting the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship within the broader regional context. The Syrian Arab News Agency previously indicated the visit aims to reorganize bilateral relations and strengthen political and economic cooperation.

Syrian Community Engagement and Military Considerations

During his Moscow stay, President Sharaa is expected to meet with members of Syria's expatriate community residing in Russia. The visit follows recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who noted during a Monday meeting with Arab journalists that Syria desires to maintain Russian military bases within its territory, though potentially repurposing them for different functions given evolving regional circumstances. These military considerations form part of the broader strategic reassessment between the two allied nations.

Diplomatic Context and Recent Exchanges

Wednesday's high-level meeting continues diplomatic momentum established during a February telephone conversation between Putin and Sharaa, during which the Russian leader reaffirmed Moscow's support for Syrian sovereignty and stability. The presidential summit follows Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak's September 9 visit to Damascus, where energy cooperation and humanitarian assistance featured prominently in discussions with Syrian officials. These exchanges occur against the backdrop of Syria's political transition following former leader Bashar al-Assad's departure to Russia in late 2024 and the subsequent establishment of a transitional administration under Sharaa in January.