Syria and Russia agree to transform military bases into joint training centres

Syria and Russia have reached an agreement to reorganize Russia's military presence on the Syrian coast, transforming their bases at Hmeimim and Tartus into joint training and rehabilitation centers. This decision, announced by Syria's Foreign Ministry on Sunday, followed 18 months of negotiations and is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement represents a new phase in relations between the two countries, according to a ministry source who spoke to SANA, the state news agency.

Under the agreement, Syria will take over management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus. These facilities will be integrated into Syria's civilian administration over time. Additionally, Russia's military facilities will be redefined from traditional bases to joint training and rehabilitation centers, aimed at protecting the mutual interests of both nations.

The memorandum stipulates that the transformation must be completed within three months following its formalization.

The ministry described this agreement as the most significant development since negotiations began approximately a year and a half ago, stating that it will usher in a different phase in Syrian-Russian relations.