In a significant geopolitical shift, Syria has recently severed its longstanding ties with Russia, marking the end of an era in their bilateral relationship. The termination of a 49-year investment agreement between Tartus port and the Russian construction company Stroytransgaz, along with new trade restrictions, signals a dramatic change in Syria's foreign policy. Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, the new Syrian government has taken decisive actions to reshape its economic and military alliances. This move not only affects the modernization plans for Tartus port but also highlights the diminishing influence of Russia in the region. Additionally, the ban on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel reflects the new administration’s efforts to realign its trade policies.
Details of the Termination and New Policies
In the aftermath of the swift offensive that led to the fall of Damascus on December 8, 2024, the city of Tartus witnessed a pivotal moment in its history. On January 21, Riad Joudeh, the head of customs in Tartus, announced the termination of a long-standing investment agreement with the Russian construction firm Stroytransgaz. This decision came as a direct consequence of the collapse of the Assad regime, which had previously secured Moscow's commitment to invest at least $500 million in upgrading the port facilities.
The contract, initially signed in 2019, was intended to modernize the strategic port of Tartus, a key asset for both commercial and military operations. With the agreement now void, all revenues generated by the port will revert to the Syrian state, and local authorities will assume full management control. Moreover, the new Syrian government has imposed strict measures, blocking a Russian vessel from evacuating military equipment from the Tartus naval base, as reported by The Moscow Times on January 9.
Furthermore, on January 17, the Syrian Minister of Finance issued a decree banning the entry of goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel into the country. This bold move underscores the new administration’s intent to distance itself from former allies and forge new paths in international trade. The implications of these decisions are far-reaching, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the region and altering Syria’s economic landscape.
During a diplomatic visit to Damascus on December 30, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed Russia’s military presence in Syria. According to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, Kyiv and the new Syrian leadership share similar views on this issue, although specific details were not disclosed.
From a journalist’s perspective, these developments highlight the fluid nature of international relations and the rapid shifts that can occur in geopolitics. The termination of the Tartus port agreement and the imposition of trade bans signal a reorientation of Syria’s foreign policy, reflecting the priorities of its new leadership. It is clear that the country is seeking to redefine its role in the region, possibly aligning more closely with Western interests. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these changes will impact Syria’s stability and its relationships with global powers.