"The Wall Street Journal": Russia seeks to maintain its military bases in Syria.

Sources from Syria and Europe, citing the "Wall Street Journal," revealed that Russia is seeking to conclude a comprehensive agreement with Syria allowing it to maintain its military bases in the country, while expanding cooperation to include significant economic and investment areas.

Negotiations between the two countries include deals worth billions of dollars, focusing on natural gas, ports, and infrastructure.

According to sources, the talks between Moscow and Damascus involve Syrian requests to hand over President Bashar al-Assad, but the Russian side has firmly rejected discussing this matter.

The negotiations also potentially include an apology from Russia for its role in bombing civilians in recent years, in an attempt to improve its international image.

The negotiations have expanded to encompass broader economic relations between the two countries, including proposals to build a port in Tartus, granting Russia privileges in natural gas extraction, and exploiting phosphate mines and hydrocarbon fields in the Palmyra region.

On the other hand, sources indicated that relations between Russia and Syria's new leaders have gained significant momentum, especially after the first phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President in the caretaker government, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Damascus confirmed that Putin expressed readiness to discuss the terms of the proposed agreements between the two countries, reflecting a strong Russian desire to enhance its strategic presence in Syria.