Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and the future of Russian military facilities in Syria during a phone call on Wednesday, according to statements from Damascus and the Kremlin.

According to Syria's state news agency SANA, the two leaders reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also stressed the importance of maintaining coordination, consultations and communication to support security and stability in Syria and the wider region.

Putin reaffirmed Russia's support for Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated Moscow's rejection of Israeli attacks and actions that violate Syrian sovereignty, the Syrian presidency said.

The Kremlin said both leaders also discussed prospects for expanding political dialogue and cooperation in trade, economic, humanitarian and other fields. Putin reaffirmed Russia's support for creating conditions for Syria's long-term stabilization and post-conflict reconstruction.

Both sides highlighted the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on Aug. 9 on the reorganization of the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus logistics support facility, describing it as a key step in shaping future cooperation between Moscow and Damascus. They also agreed to maintain contacts at various levels.

The phone call was the first known contact between Putin and al-Sharaa since the Syrian president's visit to Moscow in January. Earlier this month, Syria and Russia signed the memorandum after about 18 months of negotiations, agreeing to reorganize Russia's military presence at Hmeimim and Tartus. Under the agreement, the facilities are to be transformed into joint training and capacity-building centers under new arrangements intended to preserve the interests of both countries. (ILKHA)