Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss expanding military-industrial cooperation and strengthening the Syrian Arab Army, state media reported. Talks covered modernising equipment, transferring expertise and broadening joint research and development. Delegations also explored political coordination in international forums and economic cooperation on reconstruction and investment. Moscow reiterated support for Syria, condemned Israeli violations of Syrian territory, and seeks to secure continued use of Khmeimim and Tartous military facilities.
Syrian Foreign And Defence Ministers Meet Putin In Moscow To Deepen Military Cooperation
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on October 15, 2025 [Pool: Alexander Zemlianichenko via Reuters]
Syria’s foreign and defence ministers travelled to Moscow this week for talks with President Vladimir Putin focused on expanding military-industrial cooperation and strengthening the Syrian Arab Army, state media reported.
Meeting Focus
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the meeting on Tuesday brought together President Putin, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra to discuss political, economic and military matters of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on defence and security cooperation.
Defence And Military Industry Cooperation
SANA said the discussions covered measures to deepen military collaboration, including modernising Syrian equipment, transferring technical expertise and expanding joint research and development initiatives. "Both sides reviewed ways to advance military and technical partnership in a manner that strengthens the defensive capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army and keeps pace with modern developments in military industries," the agency quoted participants as saying.
Political And Economic Dimensions
The delegations also discussed continued political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow in international forums. Economic talks focused on expanding Syrian-Russian cooperation in reconstruction projects, infrastructure development and investment across Syria.
Strategic Interests And Military Bases
Putin reiterated Moscow's "steadfast support" for Syria and its territorial integrity, and renewed Russia's condemnation of what he described as repeated Israeli violations of Syrian territory. Russian officials continue to aim to secure long-term arrangements for the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval facility on the Mediterranean coast, where Russian forces remain present.
Background And Diplomatic Context
The visit follows several high-level exchanges between Moscow and the new Syrian authorities since the removal from power last December of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad. Russia was a key backer of Assad during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war, providing military support that helped sustain his government. Reports say Assad and some family members fled to Russia after the regime's toppling, while Moscow has signalled a willingness to engage constructively with the new Damascus leadership.
Follow-Up Talks
Russian state media also quoted Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would hold talks with Al-Shaibani during the Syrian delegation's visit. During an earlier July visit, Al-Shaibani told Lavrov that Syria wanted Russia "by our side" as Damascus faces reconstruction and security challenges.
