Syria seeks to redefine presence of foreign militaries in the country
Apr 24, 2025
Damascus [Syria], April 24: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that his government is holding negotiations with Russia and Turkey on the future of their military presence in Syria.
Speaking to The New York Times, al-Sharaa stressed that any future agreements must respect Syria's sovereignty and regional security.
"We told all the parties that this military presence has to be in line with Syria's legal framework," the Syrian leader said, adding that any arrangement should not allow foreign forces to pose threats to neighbouring countries via Syrian territory.
Russia, a long-standing ally of the former Bashar al-Assad regime, continues to operate military bases in Syria. Al-Sharaa acknowledged Syria's deep reliance on Russian-made weapons and existing agreements in areas such as food and energy.
Source: Qatar Tribune