“During an exchange of views on the situation surrounding Syria, Putin confirmed his full support of the country’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, as well as the creation of conditions for lasting normalization and post-conflict reconstruction,” the statement said.

Both leaders also expressed their willingness to “deepen political dialogue and cooperation in the trade, economic, humanitarian, and other spheres.”

During the conversation, Putin and al-Sharaa also emphasized the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed on August 9 regarding the reorganization of the Russian naval base in the Syrian port city of Tartus and the air base in Hmeimim.

The naval base was established in 1971 through an agreement between the former Soviet Union and Syria. Meanwhile, the airbase was created on September 30, 2015, to support the Syrian Army in its fight against Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State, banned in Russia and other countries for terrorist activities).

According to the memorandum, the Russian military facilities in Hmeymim and Tartus will be transformed into joint training centers. At the same time, the civilian facilities, including Hmeymim Airport and the fourth commercial pier at the Port of Tartus, will be transferred to Syrian state administration.

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