Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that cooperation between Russia and Syria is developing very actively, officially confirming that the Russian military presence in Syria and the restructuring of personnel at military facilities have been discussed during contacts with Syrian counterparts.
Speaking at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Zakharova made significant remarks regarding the state of relations between Moscow and Damascus. Emphasizing that ties between the two countries are strengthening across multiple sectors, she stated:
“Russia-Syria cooperation is developing very actively. Efforts aimed at expanding the multifaceted cooperation between our countries continue without interruption.”
Zakharova noted that these efforts extend beyond the diplomatic sphere, adding that government institutions and business communities in both Russia and Syria are actively contributing to these joint initiatives.
Russian Military Presence in Syria Undergoing Reshaping
Addressing military cooperation, one of the most prominent items on the bilateral agenda, Zakharova provided a critical indication regarding Russian military bases in Syria and their future. She stated that the issue of Russia’s military presence in Syria has been carefully discussed during high-level contacts with Syrian partners and signaled that new planning is underway concerning military personnel.
A New Phase Under the Coordination of the Russian Defense Ministry
Continuing her remarks, Zakharova highlighted potential structural changes at military facilities and shared the following details regarding the military dimension of the process:
“In our contacts with our Syrian partners, our military presence is being assessed, including the possible restructuring of personnel at Russian military facilities. However, as you understand, this matter falls entirely within the responsibility of our security institutions and the Russian Ministry of Defense.”
The statement has been interpreted as official confirmation that Russia may introduce a new arrangement regarding its military deployment and personnel distribution at its strategic bases in Syria in the coming period.