الأسد والقاعدتان العسكريتان.. على طاولة الشرع وبوتين

In a historic first visit to Moscow, Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed several files today (Wednesday) at the Kremlin, most notably activating cooperation between the two countries, the future of the two Russian military bases in Syria, and the issue of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Good Results for Both Countries

During the meeting, Putin stated that cooperation between Russia and Syria would bring good results for both countries, describing the relationship between them as strong for over 80 years.
He added that Moscow is ready to communicate through the foreign ministries of both countries.
Putin noted that the joint committee of the two countries would resume its work, saying, “We are ready to complete several projects.” He emphasized that the parliamentary elections in Syria represented a significant success and would strengthen ties among all political forces.

Defining Relations

For his part, the Syrian president stated that his country is working to redefine the nature of its relations with Russia, affirming respect for all previous agreements with Moscow.
He confirmed that there are strong ties between Syria and Russia, pointing to efforts to reconnect these relations.
Al-Shara added during the meeting: “We are trying to introduce the new Syria to the world, and Russia is one of the countries with which we have good relations.”
Al-Shara arrived earlier today in Moscow accompanied by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, and other economic and military officials.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and al-Shara will discuss the fate of the two main Russian bases in Syria, namely the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province and a naval base in Tartus.

Handing Over Bashar al-Assad

For his part, a Syrian source stated that Syrian officials are seeking guarantees that Russia will not assist in rearming the remnants of Bashar al-Assad's forces.
The source added that al-Shara hopes that Russia will also help in rebuilding the Syrian army.
A Syrian government source told Agence France-Presse that al-Shara will request during his first visit to Russia the handover of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who fled there last December.
Al-Shara has repeatedly affirmed that his country will not be a source of trouble for anyone and will maintain a balanced relationship with everyone.
He announced that Damascus will pursue all available legal avenues to demand accountability for the former regime leader Bashar al-Assad, without entering into a costly conflict with Russia, which is hosting him.
He has repeatedly stressed that engaging in a conflict with Russia now would be extremely costly for Syria and not in the country's interest.