Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit Moscow on Wednesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a historic first official visit to Russia since the transitional government took power in Damascus. The trip highlights Syria’s efforts to bolster international legitimacy and deepen ties with Moscow, a long-standing ally of the former Bashar al-Assad regime.

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Al-Sharaa’s First Official Visit to Russia

This will be Ahmed al-Sharaa’s first official trip to Moscow, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December of last year. During the visit, al-Sharaa is expected to engage in high-level talks with President Putin on regional and international developments and explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Syria and Russia, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA.

Al-Sharaa will also meet with members of the Syrian diaspora in Russia, signaling a diplomatic push to consolidate domestic and international support for his transitional government.

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Strategic Discussions on Military and Security Cooperation

A Syrian official told Reuters that discussions are expected to include the continued presence of Russia’s naval base in Tartous and the Khmeimim air base, which have been key strategic assets for Moscow in the region.

Additionally, al-Sharaa plans to formally request the extradition of Bashar al-Assad, who has been living in exile in Moscow with his family since fleeing Syria last year.

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Al-Sharaa’s Background and Rise to Power

Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known under the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Julani, once led the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda and commanded rebel forces that captured Damascus late last year. His forces successfully ousted al-Assad’s decades-long regime, establishing a new transitional government in Syria.

Since assuming power, al-Sharaa has sought to strengthen Syria’s international partnerships. Russia, in turn, has extended diplomatic support, including backing Damascus amid Israeli strikes on Syrian territory.

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Russia-Syria Relations Under Al-Sharaa

This visit continues a trend of renewed Syria-Russia diplomacy. Earlier this year, President Putin personally called al-Sharaa to express support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and stability. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in July to discuss ongoing cooperation.

The Moscow visit follows al-Sharaa’s September trip to New York, where he addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). There, he declared that Syria is “reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world” and called for an end to international sanctions.

“Syria is writing a new chapter in its story, titled peace, stability, and prosperity,” al-Sharaa said during his UN speech, signaling the transitional government’s intent to reshape Syria’s global image.

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Key Takeaways

• Ahmed al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Russia signals Syria’s push for international legitimacy.
• Discussions with Putin expected to cover military bases, regional security, and the status of Bashar al-Assad.
• Russia continues to support Syria diplomatically, especially amid ongoing regional conflicts.
• Al-Sharaa is positioning Syria as a sovereign, peaceful, and stable nation in international forums like the UNGA.