Key facts
- Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the future of Russian military bases at Tartous and Hmeimim.
- The agreement was reached after 18 months of negotiations.
- Syrian civilian administration will assume management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port.
- Military facilities will be converted into joint training and qualification centers.
- The transition of control is slated for completion within three months.
Syria and Russia have finalized an agreement on the future of Russian military installations in Tartous and Hmeimim, following an 18-month negotiation period. The memorandum of understanding, announced by the Syrian foreign ministry via the Syrian state news agency, stipulates that Syrian civilian administration will take over the management of civilian facilities at both locations, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port. Military facilities are to be repurposed as joint training and qualification centers under new arrangements that preserve the interests of both nations. The full transition is expected to be completed within three months. Russia's naval facility at Tartous and Hmeimim air base have served as Moscow's primary military presences in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The future of these bases has been a subject of discussion with Syria's leadership since December 2024. In a related development, Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs confirmed that Syria will assume control of commercial sites previously operated by Russia at Tartous port, specifically Pier No. 4 and its associated facilities.