On 15 October 2025, Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa visited Moscow, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and held a series of talks between the two delegations. About a month later, Shara visited Washington and met with US President Donald Trump, raising significant questions about the foreign policy direction of Syria under the new administration. The most important message Sharaa conveyed in Moscow was that “previous agreements with Russia will be respected”.[i] This statement indicates that Russia’s Tartus and Hmeymim bases, which have become controversial in the post-Assad era in Syria, will continue to exist in the future. In Shara’s words, “Syria is trying to redefine the nature of its relations with Russia”. [ii] On the other hand, Sharaa became the first Syrian president to hold talks at the White House, thus opening a new chapter in Syria-US relations. These developments have been important signs that Syria may pursue a policy of balance in foreign affairs.
The interim Syrian government led by Sharaa, which has taken on the challenging task of rebuilding a war-weary country, is sending the message that it will pursue a peaceful and constructive policy based on a win-win approach in foreign relations, setting aside past hostilities and polarizing politics. Indeed, the most concrete indication of this is the initiation of efforts to reset and redefine relations with Russia, which was on the opposing side during the civil war. It seems that Syria under the Sharaa administration will attempt to pursue a multi-vectoral and balanced foreign policy engaging with Russia, the US, and European countries. The tangible results of Turkey’s support for Syria in this regard are beginning to emerge. Sharaa’s visits abroad can be considered the first signs that a proactive and peaceful vision will be adopted in foreign policy. It is crucial to note that Sharaa’s visits to Moscow and Washington are of critical importance in terms of “building a sovereign Syria inside and out”. In other words, these visits, aim to demonstrate Syria’s desire to integrate with the world. Therefore, it would be incorrect to assume the current foreign policy trends will define the new Syrian administration’s permanent foreign policy line.
Another factor explaining Sharaa’s visits abroad is Syria’s need to have sanctions lifted in order to achieve economic recovery. With the partial easing of these sanctions by the UN and the US, Sharaa’s foreign policy moves have begun to bear fruit. The Sharaa administration, which aims to avoid being an economically sanctioned and isolated, understands the importance of maintaining positive relations with Russia, one of the major powers in this context. Positive relations developed with multiple major powers can contribute to facilitating relations with the rest of the world.
However, at this point, the attitudes of the actors with whom relations are sought to be established may also influence the determination of Syria’s new foreign policy. States that approach Syria with a friendly, peaceful, and win-win mindset and can sincerely demonstrate this intention may secure an important place for themselves in Syria’s new foreign policy. In this regard, it is difficult to say that a similar process will occur with Iran, which, like Russia, was on the opposing side during the civil war. However, the development of relations with Russia may open the door to establishing contacts with Iran in the long term. It should be emphasized here that geopolitical calculations will be much more influential in Syria’s policy towards the East. In this regard, the importance of the north-south and east-west transport corridors passing through Syria has increased exponentially. The course of the new Syrian administration’s relations with actors such as the US, European countries, Russia, China, and India will also deeply affect regional and global geopolitics. Therefore, at this stage, it does not seem possible to speak of a definite direction or axis in Syria’s foreign policy. Current trends indicate a focus on establishing a sovereign Syria that is recognized worldwide. The 13-year civil war, which brought great destruction, may be an important experience in terms of how foreign relations should be structured in the future.
To summarize the emerging picture from Sharaa’s visits to Moscow and Washington, it can be said that Syria’s policies towards major powers need to be, formulated with greater caution and care than ever before. It is clear that there would be significant drawbacks if Syria were to act under the influence of Russia or the US-Israel, even in the long term. The key is for Syria to develop an autonomous, peaceful, and multi-vectoral approach to foreign policy. Increasing international support for Syria in this process is crucial. A self-reliant Syria will greatly contribute to regional and global security and stability.
Finally, it should be noted that Syria’s ability to pursue a policy of balance between Russia and the US would be a highly beneficial strategy. Indeed, it could be argued that Sharaa’s visit to Moscow first prompted Washington to take action. More explicitly, by hosting Sharaa at the White House, the US made a “preemptive” move in response to the “danger” of a newly established government in Syria falling back under Russia’s influence. These two visits, which took place in October and November 2025, constitute an important roadmap of experience that Syria can follow in its future policies towards the great powers. “Not following any great power” could be the fundamental principle of Syria’s new foreign policy.
[i] “Syria’s Sharaa tells Putin he will respect past deals with Moscow”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-syrias-sharaa-discuss-fate-russian-military-bases-wednesday-kremlin-says-2025-10-15/, (Date of Access: 13.11.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
