Syria's transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa is visiting Moscow on Wednesday for his first official visit since taking office, Damascus said.

The trip aims to "reshape relations with Russia" and expand political and economic cooperation, according to a statement released by the state-run SANA news agency.

Why is Syria's leader visiting Russia?

Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss regional and international developments and explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties. He is also expected to meet members of the Syrian community living in Russia during the visit.

The visit marks a symbolic turning point. Al-Sharaa, who led the rebel alliance that toppled Kremlin ally Assad last December, is seeking to redefine Syria's foreign policy after years of isolation and conflict.

Russia provided the Assad regime with military help during the civil war and continues to host the former president and his family, who were granted asylum after his ouster.

In a February phone call, Putin reaffirmed Russia's "support for Syria's unity and stability" and expressed readiness to revisit several military and economic agreements signed under the previous government.

Syrian officials say the Moscow visit could "open a new chapter" in bilateral relations, focusing primarily on reconstruction and economic recovery.

With much of Syria still struggling with war damage, sanctions, and energy shortages, observers see the talks as a key test of how far Russia is willing to work with the country's post-Assad leadership. 

Syrian officials are also believed to be seeking guarantees that Moscow will not help rearm remnants of Assad's forces

The Kremlin said the fate of Russia's two main bases in Syria — the Hmeimim airbase in Syria's Latakia province and its naval facility at Tartous on the coast — is set to be discussed.

The visit also comes amid shifting regional diplomacy, as Damascus seeks renewed engagement with Arab states and major powers after more than a decade of conflict.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn