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Renewed Moscow-Damascus flights signal revival of ties after Assad's fall - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources New plan
  • Syria has resumed civilian flights with Moscow following a new agreement that includes Russia returning two bases in northwestern Syria to Syrian control.
  • This marks a significant shift in relations between the new Syrian government and Russia after the collapse of the Assad regime.
  • The agreement aims to rebuild Syrian Airlines' regional presence and signifies a move towards normalized ties with various global partners.

Syrian Airlines has resumed civilian flights to Moscow, marking a significant step in the revival of ties between Syria and Russia. The resumption of services, with the first flight arriving at Damascus International Airport on Sunday, August 16, follows a recent agreement where Russia will return two strategic bases in northwestern Syria to Syrian control.

marks the resumption of the carrier’s air services between Syria and Russia

— SANASyrian state media, announcing the return of flights between Damascus and Moscow.

This development signals a new chapter for the relationship between the Syrian government and Russia. Historically, Moscow has been a key ally of the Assad regime, intervening militarily in 2015 to support it. However, the collapse of the Assad regime in November 2024 following a rebel offensive created uncertainty about future relations. The new Syrian leadership, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has actively sought to foster positive relationships with Russia and other countries, moving away from potential antagonism.

The agreement on the bases, which will become joint Russia-Syrian training centers, is a direct result of this diplomatic outreach. While Syria will regain control of the Hmeimem air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port under its civil administration, the military facilities will be jointly operated. This arrangement reflects the new government's strategy to engage constructively with Russia while also seeking to normalize ties with the international community.

Russian forces in Syria will give up control of two strategic bases on the Mediterranean coast, which will be used as joint Russia-Syrian training centers under a new agreement between the two countries, Syria’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

— Associated PressReporting on the agreement for Russia to return bases to Syrian control.

Omar Hosari, director general of Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority, stated that the resumption of flights is part of broader efforts to rebuild Syrian Airlines' regional and international presence. This move is expected to facilitate increased travel and trade, further integrating Syria into regional and global networks.

The resumption of the route was part of broader efforts to rebuild Syrian Airlines’ regional and international presence

— Omar HosariDirector general of Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority, explaining the significance of the renewed flights.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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