Russia and Syria sign memorandum on reorganizing military bases
Moscow and Damascus signed a memorandum on Sunday to reorganize Russia's military and civilian presence in Syria, including its bases in Tartus and Hmeimim.
Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday, August 9, that Moscow and Damascus had signed a memorandum on reorganizing Russia's presence on Syrian territory. According to Radio Liberty, citing the Syrian news agency SANA, the signing followed roughly a year and a half of intensive negotiations between the two sides.
What was agreed
The talks focused on the future of both military and civilian facilities, with particular attention given to Russia's two largest military bases in the country, located in Tartus and Hmeimim. Under the memorandum, Russia will hand over management of several civilian facilities to Syria, including Hmeimim airport and the fourth commercial terminal at the port of Tartus. These are to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian infrastructure.
Bases to become training centers
Russian military bases and other military facilities are to be repurposed as joint Russian-Syrian training centers serving the interests of both countries. The memorandum states that this transition process must be completed within three months.
Syria's Foreign Ministry said the decisions taken would open a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
