Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met in Moscow on Tuesday with his Syrian counterpart, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
During the negotiations, the foreign ministers discussed "the practical implementation of promising areas of bilateral cooperation," the ministry said.
Abu Qasra was appointed defense minister by Syria's interim government in 2024.
Sharaa visited Moscow in October
In mid-October, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sharaa used the talks with Putin to formally request that Moscow hand over Bashar Assad to face trial over alleged crimes against Syrians.
Sharaa pledged to honor all previously signed agreements between the two countries, a commitment seen as a signal that Russia's two main military bases in Syria remain secure.
He was also hoping to secure economic concessions from Russia, including the resumption of wheat supplies on favorable terms and compensation for war damage. He pledged to honor all past deals struck between Russia and Syria, suggesting that Moscow's two main military bases on Syrian territory are safe.
Abu Qasra led overthrowing of Assad
Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad, who was backed by Russia, in December 2024. In 2015, Russia intervened to support the Assad regime against the Syrian rebels while protecting its bases in the country. Assad was in power since 2000 before being ousted by the Islamist rebel group Hay'at Tahir al-Sham.
Abu Qasra, also known by his war name Abu Hassan 600, was a senior leader in the rebel group, spearheading the campaign that eventually led to Assad's fleeing from Syria.
The Assads are now living discreetly in Moscow after Putin granted the family asylum.
Reuters contributed to this report.