Damascus and Moscow have agreed to change the format of Russia's military presence in Syria
Syria and Russia have agreed to reorganize the Russian military presence on the Syrian coast. Specifically, they plan to transfer some of the facilities to Syrian state control and convert Russian military bases into joint training centers.
This was reported by SANA, citing the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties signed a memorandum of understanding following approximately 18 months of negotiations. The document defines the future status of Russian facilities in Hmeimim and Tartus.
Under the agreement, Syria will take control of facilities used for civilian purposes. This includes, in particular, the Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the Port of Tartus. In the future, these facilities are planned to be integrated into the country’s civilian infrastructure.
At the same time, the parties will review the use of facilities that currently serve military purposes. The Russian military bases are planned to be converted into joint training and qualification centers.
The transfer of these facilities is to be completed within three months, after which the new agreements will take effect. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the memorandum as an important milestone in relations with Russia.
Source: SANA.
As a reminder, Syria is prepared to significantly reduce its imports of Russian oil as part of negotiations with the United States regarding the lifting of the latest large-scale U.S. sanctions against the country.
Lebanon and Syria participated for the first time in a military conference organized by the U.S. and its allies.
