Syria, Russia Reach Deal on Future of Tartous and Hmeimim Bases After 18 Months of Talks
Russia's naval facility at Tartous and Hmeimim air base have long been Moscow's principal military footholds in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Syria and Russia have reached an agreement on the future of their military bases in Tartous and Hmeimim, following 18 months of discussions, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry. The memorandum of understanding stipulates that the Syrian state will assume control over civilian facilities, such as Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port, enabling them to be integrated into the country's civilian administration.
Military facilities will be repurposed as joint training and qualification centers, preserving the interests of both nations. The transition is expected to be completed within three months. Tartous and Hmeimim have been key military bases for Russia in the Mediterranean and Middle East, with their future under negotiation since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs also confirmed it would take over the commercial sites formerly managed by Russia, including Pier No. 4 and its warehouses at Tartous port. Reuters had previously reported that Russia intended to establish a commercial logistics hub at Tartous port, utilizing Pier No. 4, a restricted area outside the naval base, which would remain under Syrian control with all operations requiring approval from the General Authority for Ports and Customs.
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