We are developing new agreements with Türkiye, Russia: Syrian President Sharaa

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has revealed that his government is working to establish new military agreements with Türkiye and Russia, replacing past arrangements with unspecified third countries.

In an interview with The New York Times in Damascus, al-Sharaa stated, “Türkiye has a military presence in Syria and Russia also has a military presence. We’ve nullified past agreements between Syria and other countries, and are in the process of developing new ones,” he said.

The Syrian leader emphasized that both Türkiye and Russia have had significant roles in Syria’s recent history, with Russia being a key ally of the previous government led by Bashar al-Assad.

President warns against chaos in Syria

Al-Sharaa warned that instability in Syria could have broader global repercussions. “Any chaos in Syria will damage not just neighboring countries but the whole world” he said.

He added that regional and European nations have a vested interest in supporting Syria’s stability, given the changed regional dynamics following the collapse of the Assad regime.

“The fall of the regime and the new state in which Syria found itself paved the way for an entirely new set of security relations in the region,” he said and added, “That’s why many nations, whether regional or European, have a great interest in the stability of Syria.”

Emphasis on legal military presence

Addressing Syria’s military bases and ongoing foreign deployments, al-Sharaa stated, “We told all the parties that this military presence has to be in line with Syria’s legal framework.”

“Syria’s independence, the stability of its security, and that no country’s presence creates a threat or danger to other nations via Syrian territory,” he added.

Al-Sharaa confirmed that Russia has long supported the Syrian military and remains its primary arms supplier. “Until now, we have not had offers from other nations to replace Syrian arms” he said.

“Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council. Syria’s weapons are entirely Russian. And there are many food and energy agreements that Syria has relied on for many years,” he added and concluded by stating, “We must take these Syrian interests into consideration.”

Sharaa calls for end to US sanctions

During the 45-minute interview, al-Sharaa urged the United States to lift sanctions on Syria. “The sanctions were implemented as a response to crimes committed by the previous regime against the people,” he acknowledged, while noting that current U.S. demands for lifting them should be “discussed or revised.”

“The economy was systematically being destroyed,” al-Sharaa added. “Entire sectors were nearly destroyed: Agricultural, economical, the financial sector, the service industries, tourism.”

Al-Sharaa reiterated Damascus’ commitment to ensuring its territory is never used to threaten other countries. “Syria has been committed from the beginning, before we reached Damascus, to preventing its land from being used in any way that can threaten any foreign country,” he said.

“The sanctions were implemented as a response to crimes committed by the previous regime against the people,” he concluded.

Syria seeking stability after regime change

Referring to the March attacks in Latakia and surroundings, following attacks by armed groups described as remnants of former leader Bashar al-Assad’s forces, al-Sharaa stated his government remains determined to uphold peace and prosecute those responsible for violence.

He also addressed the challenges of rebuilding Syria’s military, saying, “This in itself poses a huge challenge, it will take some time,” he noted.