Syria and Russia Transform Military Bases into Joint Training Centers Under New Agreement

Syria and Russia have signed a historic memorandum of understanding that redefines Russia's military presence in Syria. Under the agreement, Syria will gradually assume full civilian control over key facilities, including the Khmeimim airbase and the commercial port of Tartus. These military bases will cease to operate as independent Russian military installations and will be converted into joint training and rehabilitation centers for both countries within three months.

The deal follows a year and a half of intensive negotiations led by the Syrian Foreign Ministry in Damascus and marks a significant shift in bilateral relations. Damascus described the agreement as the most important development since the start of talks, signaling a new phase in cooperation between the two nations.

This change comes after the collapse of the Assad regime nearly two years ago, which triggered a large-scale withdrawal of Russian forces from Syrian bases. The political upheaval in Damascus weakened Moscow's hold on its strategic assets along the Syrian coast, prompting the prolonged negotiations that culminated in this new arrangement.