Syria and Russia signed a historic memorandum of understanding redefining Russia’s military presence in the country. Under the deal, Damascus will take over civilian management of Tartus port and Khmeimim airfield, and the military bases will convert to “joint training centers” within three months.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA: Syria announced today (Sunday) a dramatic development in its relations with Moscow—the Russian military bases at Khmeimim and Tartus will convert to “joint training centers.” The decision came as part of a new memorandum of understanding signed after a year and a half of negotiations and intensive discussions led by Syria’s Foreign Ministry in Damascus, redefining the nature of Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast.
1+Under the memorandum, Syria will gradually take full civilian control of facilities in these areas. Among other things, Khmeimim airfield and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus port will be integrated into Syria’s civilian administration system. At the same time, the bases will cease operating as independent military installations of the Russian military and will change their purpose to joint training and rehabilitation centers for both countries, as part of new arrangements to preserve mutual interests.
The timeline set for completing the transfer of authority and functional change is up to three months, after which the new arrangements will take full effect. Damascus described the move as the most significant step recorded since the talks began, symbolizing a transition to a new phase and a different relationship between the two countries.
1+As a reminder, following the collapse of the Assad regime about two years ago, a widespread flight and withdrawal of Russian forces from bases across Syria began. The dramatic regime change in Damascus undermined Moscow’s grip on its strategic assets on the Syrian coast and led to the prolonged negotiations over redefining Russia’s presence in the country that ended with the current agreement.