Syria and Russia discuss implementation of memorandum on Latakia — Anadolu Agency
In Syria, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Latakia International Airport and met with Russian officials to discuss the implementation of a memorandum on the presence of Russia, an aggressor state, on the Syrian coast. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.
Implementation of the memorandum
According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, al-Shaibani was accompanied by Chief of the General Staff Major General Ali al-Naasan, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Asim Hawari, Navy Commander Brigadier General Mohammed al-Saud, and head of military intelligence Brigadier General Hamza al-Hamidi.
The minister met with several Russian officials to oversee the procedures for implementing the memorandum and assess the progress of the agreed steps. The Syrian Foreign Ministry did not name the Russian participants in the meeting or provide details of the talks.
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Two days earlier, Syrian military commanders also inspected Latakia Airport, known as Hmeimim Airport, and held talks with Russian military officials.
Status of the airport and port
Damascus and Moscow agreed on a memorandum on reorganizing Russia's presence on the Syrian coast. It covers Hmeimim Airport in Latakia and the port of Tartus. On August 9, the Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that the memorandum was the result of approximately one and a half years of negotiations with Russia.
According to the ministry, the Syrian state is to take over the management of civilian facilities, primarily Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth of the port of Tartus, for their gradual integration into the civilian administrative system. The functions of military facilities are planned to be reviewed, transforming Russian military bases into joint training and professional development centers. The transition period is not to exceed three months.
