Moscow raised in UN the question of the use of Russian military bases in Syria

The issue of bilateral relations between Russia and Syria, including the decision on Russian military bases in this country, should be based on mutual respect and consideration of the interests of the parties. This position was expressed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Vershinin, participating in the 44th Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

He noted that Russian bases have been and remain a factor of stability for the region.

"We are ready to use them, including to provide humanitarian assistance. Naturally, this is a matter of bilateral relations, which should take into account mutual interests and be based on respect," Vershinin stressed.

He recalled that the Russian Federation participated in aid programs to Syria through FAO and The World Food Programme.

"These projects are continuing because we have provided assistance not to anyone in particular, but to the Syrian people. We see no reason for such assistance to Syria through international organizations to be stopped," the deputy minister said.

EADaily adds: Russia owns two military facilities in Syria — the logistics center of the Russian Navy in the port city of Tartus and the Khmeimim air base, located near the city of Jebla in the province of Latakia.

On June 20, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), informed that Moscow was in contact with Damascus, including on Russian military bases, and expressed hope that the parties would reach mutual understanding.

In January, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov visited Syria to discuss the fate of Russian military bases. The diplomat said that the meeting was "constructive", but negotiations on this issue will continue. On February 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin had his first conversation with the new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham**). And on February 17, Bloomberg reported that Russia was close to a deal with the new Syrian government that would allow it to maintain a presence at military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim.

*Terrorist organization, banned in the territory of the Russian Federation