Damascus, Moscow agree on reorganization of Russian bases in Syria

Damascus and Moscow have signed a memorandum of understanding on the reorganization of Russian military bases on the Syrian coast, including the transfer of civilian facilities to the management of the Syrian Armed Forces and the creation of joint training centers, Report informs via SANA.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced this.

The agreement followed about 18 months of intensive negotiations and defines the future status of Russian facilities in Hmeimim and Tartus, the ministry's Department of Media and Communications said.

Under the document, Syria will take over facilities intended for civilian use, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus. This will allow their gradual integration into the country's civilian administration.

The sides also agreed to transform Russian military bases into joint training and qualification centers under new arrangements aimed at protecting the interests of both countries.

The memorandum provides for the transition period to be completed within three months.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the agreement as the most significant development since the start of negotiations about 18 months ago, saying it opens the way for a new stage in Syrian-Russian relations.