In light of the rapid transformations taking place in Syria and the region, the Syrian Future Movement followed with great interest the visit of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani to the Russian capital, Moscow, on July 30, 2025. This was the first official visit by a government official since the formation of the transitional government following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024. The Syrian Future Movement believes this event represents a pivotal moment in Syrian foreign policy and reflects a new direction to reshape Syria’s international relations, particularly with the Russian state, based on equality, sovereignty, and mutual national interests.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the priorities and political messages of the visit are:
- High-level official meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, attended by an expanded ministerial delegation including the Ministers of Defense and Intelligence.
- The role of Syrian communities abroad was emphasized, considering them a pillar in the national recovery process and redefining Syria’s image globally.
- A new speech on transitional justice was delivered, with Minister Al-Shaibani calling for “sincere and full cooperation” from Russia to support the human rights process in Syria.
Regarding the circulating information about a number of understandings that crystallized during the visit:
- The formation of joint ministerial committees to review previous military and security agreements, particularly those related to the Russian bases in Tartus and Hmeimim.
- Reports of Russian coordination with the SDF in northeastern Syria raise questions about the future of the Russian presence in the overlapping areas of influence.
- An official invitation has been issued to Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to participate in the Russian-Arab summit scheduled for October 2025, an indication of Moscow’s move toward normalizing relations with the new Syrian leadership.
- Reports have circulated about the removal of names from international terrorist lists, including President al-Sharaa and some military commanders, in a move that would facilitate the process of international recognition of the transitional authority.
Based on this information, the Syrian Future Movement, as an independent movement that supports the building of state institutions, emphasizes that foreign relations must be based on:
- Respect for national sovereignty and the reformulation of international agreements to serve Syria’s interests first.
- Involving Syrian communities abroad as national partners in reconstruction and shaping a new national identity.
- Building international relations based on equality and balance, far from the logic of axes or unilateral influence.
- Commitment to transitional justice as a non-negotiable path that contributes to consolidating the legitimacy of governance and building sustainable popular and institutional trust.
The Syrian Future Movement recognizes that the current phase does not allow for pleasantries or symbolic speeches. Rather, it requires a clear vision and a bold stance to confront internal challenges and the dangers of external polarization.
We emphasize that any international understandings must be subject to national accountability and translated into practical measures that guarantee the independence of Syrian decision-making and preserve the dignity of Syrians both inside and outside the country.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms its continued defense of a national project based on legitimate institutions, fair justice, and respectful international relations, building a future for Syria in which the citizen is the focus of politics, sovereignty is the foundation of partnership, and participation is the essence of reform.
