A senior Syrian delegation visited Moscow earlier this week for talks with Russian officials, emphasizing continued political and military coordination between Damascus and Moscow. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Marhaf Abu Qasra arrived in the Russian capital Tuesday, December 23, accompanied by officials from the General Intelligence Directorate, according to the SANA.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit aimed to hold discussions with Russian leaders on issues of mutual interest. Russian state media reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was scheduled to meet with his Syrian counterpart during the visit, while the Syrian side did not announce the trip in advance.
Defense Cooperation at Center of Talks
Abu Qasra met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during the official visit, the Syrian Defense Ministry’s Media and Communication Department told Al-Ikhbariya. The meeting followed earlier discussions between the two ministers held in Moscow last July, when they addressed a range of joint military issues in the presence of Shaibani and General Intelligence chief Hussein Salameh.
According to SANA, Shaibani and Abu Qasra later met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss strategic cooperation, particularly in military industries. The talks focused on developing military and technical partnerships enhancing the Syrian army’s defensive capabilities, modernizing equipment and expanding cooperation in research, development and the transfer of technical expertise.
The agency reported that both sides also reviewed regional and international developments and stressed the importance of political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow in international forums. They emphasized respect for international law and rejection of foreign interference in the internal affairs of states.
Economic and Political Dimensions
Beyond military cooperation, the discussions addressed prospects for expanding economic and trade relations. SANA said the talks included support for reconstruction projects, development of infrastructure sectors and encouraging investment in Syria as part of broader bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Putin reaffirmed what SANA described as Russia’s “unwavering support for Syria,” stressing the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and full sovereignty. He also reiterated Moscow’s rejection of projects aimed at dividing the country or undermining its independent national decision-making. The Russian president again criticized repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, calling them a direct threat to regional stability, according to the agency.
Context of Ongoing Engagement
The Moscow visit came amid active diplomatic engagement by Damascus with regional and international partners. In July, Shaibani described dialogue with Russia as “a strategic step supporting the future of Syria,” saying cooperation with Moscow rests on mutual respect and support for Syria’s transitional justice process during a joint press conference with then-Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russian and Syrian defense officials have maintained regular contact in recent months. In October, a high ranking Syrian delegation headed by President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Moscow.
Officials from both countries framed this week’s meetings as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen coordination across military, political and economic tracks as Syria seeks to consolidate stability and rebuild ties with key allies.
