Russia and Syria agree future of Tartus and Hmeimim bases
Russia and Syria have agreed to convert military facilities at Tartus and Hmeimim into joint training centres while Syria assumes control of civilian sites.
Damascus, Syria. Russia and Syria have reached an agreement on the future of Moscow’s military bases in Syria following 18 months of negotiations, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The memorandum of understanding is expected to strengthen bilateral relations.
Terms of the agreement
Under the agreement, Syria will take control of civilian facilities, including the Hmeimim airbase and the commercial pier at Tartus. The sites will gradually be incorporated into Syria’s civilian administration.
Military facilities will be converted into joint training centres, with the process expected to be completed within three months.
A Syrian source familiar with the agreement said Russian military personnel would remain stationed at the new training centres, without providing details on troop numbers.
Russian presence
The future of the bases had been uncertain following the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al Assad, a close Russian ally who fled Syria in 2024 and was later granted asylum in Russia.
The agreement maintains a Russian presence in Syria as Moscow seeks to retain influence in the Middle East and the wider region.
The Tartus facility is Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and supply hub. It has supported Russian military operations and logistics between Russia, Syria and Africa.
Russia has also used its Syrian bases as staging points for moving military personnel and equipment to and from Africa.
Cultural centre
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that Moscow would reopen its Russian House cultural centre in Damascus after talks between a Russian delegation and Syrian officials.
This news item was generated automatically by Cyprus Inform from publicly available materials. Report an error →
