Image: from Zineb Riboua X@zriboua
Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies
Russia and Syria have failed to reach a new agreement on the future of Russian military bases operating within Syrian territory, according to statements from Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani. While negotiations between the two nations are ongoing, Syria has made clear that any new deals will only be signed on a mutually beneficial basis.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that discussions are focused on revising the existing framework that regulates bilateral cooperation, including issues related to Russia’s military presence. The talks took place during Syrian President al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Moscow, where both sides also discussed the fate of former President Bashar al-Assad, the return of Syrian military personnel currently abroad, and the future of diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
❌ Putin failed to reach an agreement with the Syrian leader on a key issue, – The Moscow Times
No agreements were reached on the future fate of the two Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim. The agreements concluded with Assad are currently suspended. pic.twitter.com/e3IyMMkC3K
— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) October 19, 2025
Despite the high-level talks, no consensus was reached, particularly regarding the status of Russian bases. In 2017, Russia and the Assad regime signed an agreement allowing Moscow to maintain its military presence in Syria for 49 years. However, according to Al-Shaibani, those agreements have been suspended, as they “no longer serve the interests of the Syrian people.”
The foreign minister emphasized that Syria’s diplomatic actions are calculated and designed to protect national sovereignty. “All our steps are carefully planned and do not involve any concessions concerning Syria’s rights,” Al-Shaibani stated. He also noted that Syria is pursuing a broader foreign policy strategy aimed at strengthening ties not only with Russia but also with China and European nations.
“We are restoring our relations with China, which in the past politically supported the former regime and used its veto power in its favor. Next month, Syria will make its first official visit to Beijing,” the minister added.
The lack of agreement marks a significant moment in the long-standing alliance between Moscow and Damascus, raising questions about the future of Russia’s strategic foothold in the Middle East. As Syria repositions itself diplomatically, the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global power dynamics.