Damascus open to Russian military presence as new leadership seeks pragmatic alliances

Syria's Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has expressed the government's willingness to allow Russia to maintain its crucial military presence at the Hmeimim air base in Latakia, underscoring the country’s pragmatic approach to foreign relations.

Abu Qasra emphasized that while Syria is open to agreements with Moscow, the deal must serve the nation's interests, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The air base, strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, has been of immense value to Russia since its military intervention in 2015, providing Moscow with vital air and naval capabilities in the region.

Abu Qasra’s remarks come after significant shifts in Syria’s foreign policy, which have evolved since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Once a fierce adversary of Russia, Abu Qasra now represents a government that is exploring new alliances while reassessing old ones.

"If we get benefits for Syria out of this, yes," Abu Qasra stated when asked about the future of Russian military bases, highlighting a pragmatic stance that is likely to define Syria’s foreign relations moving forward.

The Hmeimim air base, along with the naval base at Tartus, represents a vital strategic asset for Russia, offering access to the Mediterranean Sea. While Russia’s military footprint in Syria has diminished, with Moscow pulling back assets from various locations, these two facilities remain of profound importance to the Kremlin.

Abu Qasra’s comments signal that Syria, under its new leadership, is keen to maintain these key installations as long as they align with the country’s rebuilding efforts.

With Syria's military in a state of reconstruction after over a decade of civil war, the government is considering military agreements with multiple countries, including Russia, the United States, and Türkiye. Abu Qasra noted that Syria is currently negotiating the status of foreign military bases in the country, including those of U.S. and Turkish forces, while seeking to regain full control of territories held by Kurdish forces.

The evolving dynamics between Syria and Russia represent a dramatic shift from the conflict-ridden past, as the government moves towards rebuilding both its military and its international alliances. As negotiations continue, the future of Russian military presence in Syria—and its broader implications for regional stability—remains a key issue.

By Aghakazim Guliyev