---
title: "Russian government delegation arrives in Syria for talks, TASS reports"
description: "A Russian government delegation has arrived in Damascus for the first time since Moscow's ally President Bashar al-Assad was toppled, Russia's TASS state news agency reported on Tuesday."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Russia-Syria"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-28-russian-government-delegation-arrives-in-syria-for-talks-tass-reports/"
published: "2025-01-28T12:52:13"
updated: "2025-01-28T12:56:15"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 64
---

# Russian government delegation arrives in Syria for talks, TASS reports

> A Russian government delegation has arrived in Damascus for the first time since Moscow's ally President Bashar al-Assad was toppled, Russia's TASS state news agency reported on Tuesday.

By Reuters · Published 28 January 2025, 14:52 SAST · Updated 28 January 2025, 14:56 SAST

## Key points
- In a diplomatic tango that could rival a game of chess, Russia sends its top envoys to Syria, aiming to keep its bases warm while cozying up to the regime it once rescued.
- Russian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, to engage with Syria's new leadership.
- Kremlin envoy Alexander Lavrentiev also part of the talks, emphasizing Russia's strategic interests.
- Moscow seeks to maintain control over key military installations in Syria, including naval and air bases.
- Ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight Russia's commitment to supporting Assad's regime amidst regional shifts.

## Content

The delegation, which is expected to hold talks with Syria's new rulers, includes Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Alexander Lavrentiev, the Kremlin's special envoy for Syria.

Russia, which granted Assad refuge, is hoping to retain its two bases in Syria, a naval base in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base near the port city of Latakia.

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Andrew Osborn)