Syria, Russia reach deal to turn military bases into training centres
DAMASCUS: Syria said on Sunday that it reached a deal with Moscow on the fate of Russia’s two bases in the country, which it once used to provide military support to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war.
DAMASCUS: Syria and Russia recently agreed on the future of Russia's two military bases in the nation, which once provided support to former leader Bashar al-Assad during Syria's civil war. Syria's SANA news agency reported that the foreign ministry stated the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base would become joint training and capacity-building centers under new agreements that maintain mutual interests.
The memorandum of understanding, following 18 months of negotiations, set a deadline of three months to finalize the process, according to SANA. Civilian facilities at both bases would be transferred to Damascus in the meantime. Russia, a key ally of Assad during the 13-year conflict, provided crucial military support that kept his forces in power.
Following Assad's removal in 2024, President Vladimir Putin has been seeking to strengthen ties with the new authorities in Damascus to ensure the bases' future. Both bases remained operational while negotiations were taking place. Syria has shown a willingness to collaborate with Russia, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa has met with Putin twice since taking office.
However, Damascus has consistently demanded that Russia extradite Assad, who has been residing in Moscow with his wife since his ouster. Earlier this year, the Kremlin removed its forces from the Qamishli airport in northeastern Syria.
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