Syria and Russia Sign Deal to Reorganize Military Bases

The Government of Syria and the Federal Government of Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to reorganize Russia's military presence in Syria after 18 months of negotiations. The agreement transforms the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval port into joint training and qualification centers.

Under the terms, Syria will assume management of civilian facilities, including the fourth commercial berth at the Tartus port and Hmeimim Airport. These sites will be integrated into the Syrian civilian administration within three months. This transition follows the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in late 2024, which had previously jeopardized Moscow's strategic footprint in the region.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration described the deal as the most significant development since negotiations began. Concurrently, DP World signed an agreement to invest $800 million in the Tartus port following Syria's decision to cancel Russia's management contract for the facility.