Syria agrees deal with Russia over future use of two key Mediterranean bases

Damascus, Syria - Syria and Russia have concluded an agreement regarding the future use of two crucial Mediterranean coastal bases, signaling the end of their military function for Russia, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Hmeimim air base near Latakia and the Tartus naval base were crucial Russian outposts in the eastern Mediterranean throughout Syria's conflict against an Islamist-led armed opposition, with the latter being a prominent militant leader during this period.

Following the agreement, Syria will assume control over the Hmeimim air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port, transforming these facilities into "joint training and qualification centers." The military facilities at both sites will serve this dual purpose. The Foreign Ministry described the new arrangement as a "reorganizing of the Russian presence" along Syria's coast.

This development marks a significant shift since negotiations between the two countries began roughly a year and a half ago, setting the stage for a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations, as stated in the ministry's statement. Russia has not yet commented on the agreement. It is noteworthy that Russia did not interfere during the uprising that led to Assad's overthrow, yet it did grant asylum to the former Syrian leader and his family.

After Assad's fall, Russian troops in Syria gradually withdrew, and Syria's new leadership has endeavored to preserve strong bilateral ties with Moscow. Al-Sharaa, who assumed power following Assad's ouster, has visited President Vladimir Putin in Moscow twice since taking office, with discussions on the two Mediterranean bases being a key point of conversation.

Since Assad's removal, Syria has sought to strengthen its relations with various countries, including the United States, Europe, and neighboring Arab nations that had severed ties with Damascus during Assad's crackdown on protests. Washington lifted most of its sanctions on Syria, while French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the country in July, announcing that the two nations would appoint respective ambassadors for the first time in 14 years.