Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on Wednesday, praising the two countries’ deep historical ties and friendly relations. Al-Sharaa noted that Moscow would play a significant role in his country’s transition to a “new Syria,” and vowed to honor all past commitments.

The two spoke at a meeting at the Kremlin ahead of extended talks. It marks the first visit of a Syrian leader to Russia since the fall of Bashar Assad’s government late last year. Al-Sharaa, who once led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, rose to power following the departure of Assad.

Putin said that diplomatic ties between Russia and Syria “have always been friendly” since their establishment in 1944.

“Throughout these decades, we have always been guided by one thing – the interests of the Syrian people,” he said.

Al-Sharaa said that Syria continues to “build on the many achievements” that cooperation with Russia has facilitated.

“Part of Syria’s food supply and many power plants depend on Russia, and we are trying to redefine the nature of our relations with it, while respecting all past agreements between the countries,” he added.

Russia’s military presence in Syria – at the Khmeimim Airbase and the Tartus naval facility – was originally established with a 49-year lease signed with Assad in 2017. Moscow has remained engaged with the new Syrian leadership and continued to maintain the bases since his ouster.

Officials in the new Syrian government have previously indicated that Damascus would be open to allowing Russia to maintain its bases, as long as their presence is advantageous to the country.