Russia says Syria base deal to strengthen military ties
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that an agreement with Syria on the future of Russian military bases in the country will strengthen bilateral military cooperation.
The ministry said the memorandum, signed on Aug. 9, covers the operation of Russian bases in Khmeimim and Tartus and is aimed at further developing military cooperation between the two countries.
Syria and Russia reached the memorandum on Sunday to determine the future of the Russian bases, according to Syria’s state news agency, which cited the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
The agreement followed 18 months of negotiations, with the future of the bases becoming uncertain after former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian ally, left Syria in 2024.
Under the agreement, Syria will take over the management of civilian facilities, including Khmeimim Airport and the commercial section of Tartus port. These facilities will gradually be integrated into Syria’s civilian administration.
The military facilities will be converted into joint training centers, with the process expected to be completed within three months, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the agreement would also give “further impetus” to broader relations between Moscow and Damascus.
A Syrian source familiar with the agreement told Reuters that Russian forces would remain at the new joint training centers, but did not specify their number.