In an interview, Murhaf Abu Qasra, a onetime leader in Syria’s insurgency, discussed moves by authorities in Damascus to build new alliances.

Syria’s new government is open to allowing Russia to keep its strategic military bases in the country after the ouster of Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Thursday.

The countrys new defense minister has told the outlet that Moscows continued military presence is negotiable if it benefits Damascus S

The arrival of the first top Russian diplomat in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad’s fall kicks off negotiations over the fate of Moscow’s bases in Syria.

Russia, a longtime supporter of Assad’s regime, provided military assistance to bolster Assad against rebel forces throughout Syria’s protracted civil war.

Russia is engaged in discussions with Syrian authorities regarding the future of its military bases in Syria. Following recent meetings led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Damascus, Russia aims to maintain its naval base in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base near Latakia.

Syria's new government will decide the fate of Russian military bases based on national interests, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Feb. 6. Russia's ability to retain its naval base in Tartus and airbase in Khmeimim will depend on what Moscow offers in return,