President Vladimir Putin held discussions with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Russia aims to uphold its military presence in the Middle Eastern nation.

Moscow was a significant supporter of Sharaa’s predecessor, Bashar al-Assad, during Syria’s protracted 14-year civil conflict. The overthrow of Assad by Sharaa’s rebel factions represented a significant setback for Russia’s influence in the region, casting uncertainty on the future of its military installations in Syria.

In response, Putin has sought to strengthen connections with Sharaa, although Russia’s decision to grant asylum to Assad and his spouse in Moscow has been a significant hindrance to improving ties.

“Substantial progress has been made in re-establishing our bilateral relations,” Putin remarked during a televised conference with Sharaa.

“We have been closely observing your attempts to restore Syria’s territorial integrity, and I want to commend you on the progress this initiative is achieving,” Putin commented, seemingly referring to Sharaa’s recent actions against Kurdish forces in the northeastern part of Syria.

During his second meeting with Putin since assuming leadership, Sharaa remarked that Russia had held a “historic role, not only in the unity and stability of Syria but also in the broader region.”

Neither of the leaders publicly mentioned Russia’s military presence in Syria. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously indicated that this topic would likely be on the agenda.

Russia currently maintains two military bases in Syria: the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval base along the Mediterranean coast. These bases are Russia’s only military footholds outside the former Soviet territory.

Earlier this week, Russia withdrew its personnel from Qamishli airport, which is situated in the Kurdish-controlled northeast of Syria.

Sharaa’s government has expressed a readiness to collaborate with Moscow but has consistently reiterated its demand for Assad’s extradition.