DAMASCUS — Syria and Russia have agreed to reorganize Moscow’s military presence along the Syrian coast under a new memorandum of understanding, marking a major shift in the future status of Russian facilities at Hmeimim and Tartous.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the agreement follows around 18 months of negotiations between the two countries and establishes new arrangements for both civilian and military facilities.
Under the memorandum, Syria will assume control of facilities designated for civilian use, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartous Port. The facilities will be gradually integrated into Syria’s civilian administration.
The agreement also changes the role of Russian military facilities. Existing Russian bases will be transformed into joint training and qualification centers, under arrangements intended to protect the interests of both Syria and Russia.
The transition is expected to be completed within three months, after which the new framework will formally take effect.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the memorandum as the most significant development in the Syrian-Russian negotiations since they began roughly a year and a half ago, saying it could open the way for a new phase in relations between Damascus and Moscow.
The agreement comes as Syria seeks to consolidate state control over strategic facilities while maintaining its longstanding relationship with Russia, which has maintained a major military presence on the Syrian coast for years.
