Intensive meetings between Syrian and Russian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries

Recent developments in the Russian capital indicate that relations between Syria and Russia have entered a phase of practical implementation, with intensified communication and the identification of avenues for cooperation in various fields.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin confirmed that the Joint Governmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation held a new session in Moscow, during which it discussed strengthening bilateral communication at all levels.

The Syrian visits to Moscow took place away from the media spotlight, as both the Syrian Minister of Defense, Marhaf Abu Qasra, and the Secretary-General of the Syrian Presidency, Dr. Maher al Sharaa, arrived on a visit that lasted from October 28 to 31, and witnessed a series of meetings with high-level officials in the Russian Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Construction and Housing.

At the Russian Ministry of Defense, Abu Qasra discussed with Minister Andrei Belousov the mechanisms for implementing military cooperation.

He also met with Russian military commanders and participated in field visits that included military facilities, some of which are believed to be used as command and control centers.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense explained that the visit focused on supporting bilateral relations and exchanging experiences in training and other areas, and that General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, was present at all meetings.

For his part, Maher al Sharaa held talks with Russian Construction Minister Erik Faizulin, focusing on the implementation of agreements reached during the meeting between the two presidents on October 15, as well as the results of the Russian delegation’s visit to Damascus in September.

Faizulin revealed plans to send a business delegation to Syria to discuss new joint projects.

Maher al Sharaa also met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin on October 29, where they discussed ways to facilitate reconstruction in Syria and expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

These meetings reflect a shared desire to resume military and economic cooperation between the two countries, in line with Syria’s priorities and current circumstances, and in service of Russian interests in the region.

Maher al Sharaa to choose to lead this process wasn’t arbitrary, as he has a Russian Citizenship, married to a Russian Women, studied medicine and studied and worked in Russia, fluent in Russian, his long-standing ties to Russian society, and his status as the brother of Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa.

This background gives him the ability to understand the Russian context and negotiate effectively, as in contrast, Moscow pushed General Yevkurov, a Sunni Muslim from the Republic of Ingushetia, to the forefront of the talks, in a move aimed at breaking the deadlock and demonstrating Russia’s openness to the new authorities in Syria, who belong to currents with an Islamic background.

Syrian-Russian relations have factors that distinguish them from Syria’s relations with the West, most notably Russia’s long experience in military cooperation, and the readiness of the infrastructure to resume work in this field as soon as the political decision is issued.

The discussion isn’t about new agreements, but about activating previous agreements in the areas of training and military supply, in addition to economic and trade agreements that are subject to amendment and rapid activation.

The consensus within Syrian institutions regarding the restructuring of relations with Russia is met with clear support from the Russian leadership, which enhances the chances of success for this path, especially in light of the absence of signs of cooperation from Western countries, which are focusing their military efforts on Ukraine and aren’t showing any willingness to support Syria to rebuild its army.

Despite the potential challenges, Damascus isn’t expected to face a harsh Western reaction, as the ongoing cooperation is based on previously concluded international agreements, making the Western position more symbolic.

But the biggest challenge remains within Syria, where many have expressed their rejection of rapprochement with Moscow because of its role in supporting the former Assad regime, while others see cooperation with Russia as a necessity given the current political and military reality.