Russia, Syria to hold further talks on Russian military bases in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov announced on Tuesday that Moscow and Damascus will continue discussions regarding the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria.
Speaking to reporters, Bogdanov said, “This question requires additional negotiations.” He clarified that, for now, there have been no changes to the status of Russia’s two military bases in the country.
Bogdanov’s visit to Damascus marked the first Russian delegation to the Syrian capital since the ousting of Moscow’s longtime ally, Bashar al-Assad. Russia is keen to maintain its strategic foothold in Syria, which includes a naval facility in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase near the coastal city of Latakia.
Meanwhile, Syria’s caretaker government revealed last week that discussions also covered “transitional justice” mechanisms aimed at ensuring accountability and delivering justice to the victims of the al-Assad regime’s brutal war.
In a statement, the Syrian caretaker government stressed that restoring relations must involve addressing past injustices, respecting the will of the Syrian people, and prioritizing their interests.