Russian Officials Visit Syria Following Leadership Change “`

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, the recent change in leadership in Damascus will not alter the fundamental nature of Russian-Syrian relations.

Following the first Russian diplomatic visit to Syria since its leadership changed, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that Moscow and Damascus intend to uphold their historically strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

On Tuesday, Bogdanov led a Russian delegation in discussions with Syrian leader Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. Also present were Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa, and representatives from various Russian government agencies.

Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, assumed de facto leadership in Syria last month after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a surprise attack on Damascus, forcing the former President Bashar Assad to flee.

“We reaffirmed the enduring and strategic nature of our countries’ relationship, focused on preserving the unity and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic,” Bogdanov told RT Arabic on Tuesday after the talks. He added that the recent power shift in Damascus “will not alter the fundamental nature” of Russian-Syrian ties.

Bogdanov stated that the talks included Russia’s continued military presence in Syria, although no concrete agreements were reached.

“To our knowledge, the status of Russian facilities in Tartus and Khmeimim remains unchanged, and we agreed to continue a thorough dialogue on various aspects of cooperation between our countries,” he said.

Bogdanov added that Moscow is prepared to aid in Syria’s stabilization and address its economic and social challenges, noting the new Damascus administration’s “understanding and attention” towards Russia’s position.

He also mentioned that the talks included discussions on trade, economic relations, and Moscow’s continued involvement in various Russian- and Soviet-built infrastructure projects in Syria, such as power plants and dams.

Al-Sharaa told Al Arabiya News last month that Damascus and Moscow share “strategic interests.” He emphasized, “We don’t want Russia to withdraw from Syria in a way that harms its relationship with the country.”