Russia [Moscow], December 13: Russia hopes to keep its military bases in Syria as they are important in the fight against terrorism, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Thursday.
"I think there is general agreement that the fight against terrorism and the IS is not over, it requires collective efforts. In this regard, our presence played an important role in the fight against international terrorism," state-run RIA news agency reported, citing Bogdanov.
The Russian diplomat added that Moscow has established contacts with the political committee of Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and discussed issues of ensuring the security of the Russian diplomatic mission and citizens in the country.
Russia is ready to provide assistance to those Russian citizens who want to leave Syria, he said.
Bogdanov also noted that Russia is in contact with Israel regarding the Syrian situation.
Source: Xinhua News Agency