Russia is willing to help with the reconstruction of Syria as it continues to seek a deal with the country’s new leadership to retain two vital military bases, according to a senior Middle East policy adviser to the Russian government.

By bnm Gulf bureau Russian forces have begun withdrawing from Syria, with two cargo vessels, the Sparta II and Sparta, departing from the port of Tartus on January 30, carrying significant military equipment.

Russia reaffirms its commitment to maintain a permanent dialogue with Syria's new leadership after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

DAMASCUS, Syria — A delegation of Russian officials arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for the first such visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. Assad, an ally of Moscow, took refuge in Russia after his ouster in December in a lightning rebel offensive.

Russian delegation held 'constructive' talks with new Syrian administration, says deputy foreign minister - Anadolu Ajansı

A Russian delegation tells Damascus it wants certain Syrian opposition groups included in the upcoming national dialogue conference

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Damascus on Thursday, the first visit by a head of state to the Syrian capital since the Dec. 8 fall of President Bashar al-Assad to an Islamist rebel offensive.

A Russian delegation voiced support for Syria's sovereignty as it met the new administration in Damascus on Tuesday, marking the first such visit to the war-torn country since the fall of the Assad regime. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, and Presidential Special Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev met Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Russia said on Wednesday it had held "frank" discussions with Syria's new de facto leader as it tries to retain its two military bases in the country, but it declined to comment on what he was demanding in return.

Ahmed al Sharaa was declared the new president of Syria in the transitional government that came into power after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8. This declaration led to congratulations from several Arab states in the region,

Turkey’s influence in Syria is more complex than commonly portrayed. While it has played a role in shaping events, its long-term dominance remains uncertain amid shifting power dynamics.