Lavrov: Russia Not Insisting on Keeping Its Troops and Bases in Syria

ARK New.. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has revealed that Moscow is keen on maintaining constructive and friendly relations with Syria following immediate communication with the country’s new leadership.

He emphasized that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly affirmed that Russia will not remain in Syria if the Syrian leadership no longer desires its presence.

Lavrov stated that “Moscow’s relationship with Damascus has always been one of genuine friendship rather than opportunism, which is why we resumed our contacts.” He added that President Putin had recently spoken directly with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

According to Lavrov, Russia had previously reached an international agreement involving the United States and several regional powers, but the deal was never implemented. He stressed that Moscow remains “deeply interested in continuing cooperation with the new government in Damascus.”

Lavrov explained that the Russian president has made it clear on several occasions that Moscow would not insist on remaining in Syria if the leadership there objected. However, “it seems that the Syrian authorities, along with some regional countries, are interested in our continued presence,” he noted.

He went on to say that the missions of Russia’s military bases in Syria should be redefined in light of the new circumstances. Among the new roles, Lavrov highlighted the possibility of establishing a humanitarian logistics center at Syria’s port and airport facilities to facilitate the delivery of aid shipments from Russia and the Gulf states to African countries.

Lavrov concluded that previously agreed-upon projects between Moscow and Damascus could be resumed and adapted to reflect the evolving situation on the ground.

68