Syria and Russia agree to turn military bases into joint training centers

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that it has reached an agreement with Russia on the future of Russian military bases in Syria, following 18 months of negotiations between the two sides.

The ministry explained that the memorandum of understanding signed with Moscow includes converting the Tartus and Hmeimim bases into joint training centers, noting that the agreement sets a three-month deadline for implementation.

The ministry also confirmed that the Syrian state will assume management of Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial pier at Tartus Port, as part of efforts to reorganize the Russian presence on Syria’s coast.

Syrian Foreign Minister Hassan Al-Shibani noted that the new memorandum of understanding aims to restructure military cooperation between the two countries while safeguarding their shared interests.