The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Damascus and Moscow had signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the reorganization of Russia’s presence in the country.
Under the arrangement, Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus Port are planned to be transferred to Syria’s civilian administration. The facilities are expected to be gradually integrated into the country’s civilian structure.
Military facilities could become joint training centers
The parties also agreed to reassess the functions of facilities currently used for military purposes. Russian military bases are planned to be converted into joint training centers, taking the interests of both countries into account.
The new arrangements are expected to enter into force after the completion of a transition period lasting no more than three months.
Talks on the future of Russian bases
In 2015, Russia intervened militarily in Syria at the request of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and established military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus.
Hundreds of airstrikes were carried out from these bases during the Syrian civil war. After the Assad regime was overthrown in December 2024, Russia and Syria’s new administration began discussing the future of the bases.