Syria’s President Al-Sharaa Meets Putin in Moscow, Discusses Energy and Reconstruction

President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Wednesday, October 15, emphasizing that the new Syria is rebuilding its regional and international ties while maintaining close relations with Moscow, Orda.kz reports.

'In the new Syria, we are rebuilding relations with all regional and international countries,' al-Sharaa said at the Kremlin Palace. 'A significant part of Syria’s energy sector relies on Russian expertise, and Syria respects all agreements signed with Russia.'

Putin welcomed the Syrian president, stressing that relations between the two countries “have never been tied to political conditions or narrow interests,” but rest on mutual benefit.

An expanded session followed between the two leaders, attended by senior officials from both sides. They discussed strengthening cooperation in energy, transportation, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.

At the same time, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow is ready to assist Syria’s reconstruction and expand cooperation across sectors, including continued work in Syrian oil fields.

Our companies have long operated in Syrian oil fields. Some need development, others have stopped production, and there are new fields — we are ready to participate, Novak told reporters.

He added that Russian firms intend to use domestic equipment in Syria and that the topic was discussed “extensively” during the presidential talks. Novak also confirmed Russian interest in developing Syria’s transport infrastructure, rehabilitating its energy sector, and supplying wheat and pharmaceuticals.

The two sides agreed to reconvene the Joint Governmental Committee in the near future to coordinate economic cooperation.

President al-Sharaa’s visit marks his first official trip to Russia since taking office. Previously, reports emerged that Damascus acknowledged that entering into conflict with Russia would be too costly for Syria.

Reportedly, Syria's leadership was expected to discuss the future of Russian bases in Syria and the status of Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after his regime was toppled. Russia had supported al-Assad throughout the country's civil war that began in 2011.

Discussions soon followed about whether Russia would maintain the bases amid reports of a reduced presence.

Incidentally, Kommersant, a Russian media outlet, claimed Damascus expressed interest in resuming patrols by Russian military police in Syria’s southern provinces.