Syria and Russia Reinforce Strategic Military Cooperation Amid Leadership Transi

[Abdulwahid]

Syria's Chief of General Staff, Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Naasan, held high-level talks with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov during an official visit to Damascus, focusing on key military and security matters. The meeting reflects continued engagement between the two long-standing allies amid evolving political and security dynamics in Syria.

According to Syria's Defense Ministry, Yevkurov's multi-day visit aims to strengthen military cooperation in ways that serve the shared strategic interests of both nations. Discussions reportedly covered coordination frameworks, defense collaboration, and regional security considerations, underscoring Moscow's sustained involvement in Syrian military affairs.

This visit builds on earlier diplomatic and defense engagements between the two countries. In June, senior Syrian officials—including Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasr, Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, and General Intelligence Director Hussein Salameh—met Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov in Moscow to advance bilateral cooperation across military and political spheres.

Russia has historically been one of Syria's most influential allies, providing decisive support during critical phases of the Syrian conflict. In 2015, Russian military intervention played a pivotal role in halting the advance of rebel forces, significantly altering the balance of power on the ground.

In December 2024, Russia again featured prominently during a major political turning point, assisting former President Bashar Assad's departure to Moscow via the Khmeimim air base near Latakia. This event marked the end of an era while reaffirming Russia's logistical and political leverage in Syria.

Under the new administration led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Damascus has continued to engage Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin. These interactions signal Syria's intention to preserve strategic ties with Moscow while repositioning the relationship to align with national interests in a changing regional landscape.

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