Russia Aims to Open a ‘New Page’ with Post-Assad Syria (Dario Cristiani – The Jamestown Foundation)

On September 9, a high-level Russian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, paid an unannounced visit to Damascus and held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. The talks focused on energy, military basing, and reconstruction, with Damascus demanding cheaper fuel and technical aid, while Russia wants to maintain access to the Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base in south-east Syria. Moscow intends to reset ties with Syria’s new leadership after last year’s ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, one of Russia’s strongest regional allies.

Russia Aims to Open a ‘New Page’ with Post-Assad Syria – Jamestown