Following approximately 18 months of negotiations, Syria and Russia have officially signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reorganizing the Russian presence at the Khmeimim and Tartus bases in western Syria. The Syrian foreign ministry, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), announced that this agreement represents the most significant development in bilateral relations since talks first commenced a year and a half ago, signaling a new phase for the two nations.
Under the terms of the new memorandum, Syria is set to assume management responsibilities for specific civilian facilities. This includes the Khmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus. These sites will be gradually integrated into the Syrian civilian administration system. Simultaneously, existing military bases and related facilities are slated for a functional transformation. Both governments have reached an agreement to convert these military locations into joint training and qualification centers, an arrangement intended to uphold their mutual interests.
The ministry stated that the transition process has a maximum timeframe of three months to reach completion. Once this period concludes, the new administrative and operational arrangements will take full effect.
