The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the agreement follows around 18 months of intensive negotiations and sets out a new framework for Russia’s military presence in Syria.

Under the memorandum, the military facilities at Hmeimim and Tartus will be converted from military bases into joint training and rehabilitation centers. The transition is expected to be completed within three months, after which the new arrangements will take effect.

Latakia Airport handed over

On the same day, Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced that it had taken control of Latakia International Airport as part of efforts to restore and operate the country’s airports.

Authority chief Omar Al-Hosari said technical teams had begun assessing the airport’s facilities and systems to prepare a rehabilitation plan and restore operational readiness, with the goal of resuming flights in line with safety and operating standards.

Latakia Airport is particularly important because of its proximity to Hmeimim, which became Russia’s main air operations center in Syria after Moscow launched its military intervention in 2015 in support of Bashar al-Assad’s government.

During the war, Hmeimim became Russia’s main air facility in Syria, supporting military operations and serving as a hub for aircraft, military shipments, personnel and equipment.

Russia’s presence in Tartus

Russia also expanded its presence in Tartus following its military intervention in Syria. The city hosts a Russian naval facility used for supply, maintenance and logistical support for Russian vessels operating in the Mediterranean.

In 2017, Russia and the Syrian government under Assad signed an agreement to expand and develop the naval facility, allowing Moscow to maintain a long-term naval presence on the Syrian coast. Russia also obtained rights to operate parts of the commercial port under a separate agreement.

Following Assad’s fall, Russia maintained its presence at Hmeimim and Tartus, while Damascus sought to reorganize its relationship with Moscow and redefine the nature of its military presence in Syria.