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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit Moscow on Wednesday, where he is expected to formally request the extradition of former President Bashar al-Assad to stand trial over alleged crimes against the Syrian people, according to Reuters.
The visit, marking his first official trip to Russia under the new administration, comes despite the postponement of a planned Arab summit in Moscow.
The report also says that Sharaa is set to hold talks on the continued presence of Russia’s naval base in Tartous and its air base in Hmeimim.
The visit also carries significant symbolic importance, reflecting President Sharaa’s efforts to strengthen Syria’s diplomatic relations and reaffirm its sovereignty in dealings with long-standing allies.
The two leaders will discuss regional and international developments and ways that Syria and Russia can cooperate, SANA reported.
The new Syrian leadership appears intent on renegotiating terms and extracting political leverage from the relationship.
A Russian base presence has long been a strategic pillar in Moscow’s projection in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The announcement of the visit stirred considerable attention on Syrian social media.
Many users speculated about the potential outcomes, especially regarding the extradition of Assad and what claims might be exchanged between the two leaders.
Some posts questioned the viability of Russia acceding to a handover, citing diplomatic and legal obstacles.
Leaked commentary also indicates expectations that economic and reconstruction issues might come up, as well as military cooperation.
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