Syrian defense minister names conditions for maintaining Russian bases in country

The Russian side will be able to maintain bases in Khmeimim and Tartus if it is beneficial for Syria, said the head of the Syrian Defense Ministry, Marhaf Abu Kasra, Report informs via Russian media.

"If we get benefits from this for Syria, then yes," the minister said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Furthermore, Moscow's attitude toward the new Syrian government has "significantly improved" since Bashar al-Assad's departure from the presidency of Syria, he noted.

The minister also indicated that Damascus is considering potential defense agreements with various countries.