Damascus: Damascus and Moscow reached a memorandum of understanding outlining the future of the two Russian bases in Tartus and Hmeimim after intensive negotiations that lasted a year and a half. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Syrian Foreign Ministry explained yesterday (Sunday) that, “According to the memorandum, the Syrian state will manage the civilian facilities, primarily Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus, thus allowing for their gradual integration into the civilian administration system.”

Regarding the military bases and facilities, the two sides agreed to redefine their function, transforming them from military bases into joint training and rehabilitation centers. The memorandum set a timeframe of no more than three months to complete the conversion process.

With this memorandum, the Syrian government reduced the Russian military presence in Syria to a minimum, depriving Russia of independent management of the military pier adjacent to the fourth pier, which will be converted into a training and rehabilitation facility. Furthermore, Russia was denied access to and management of the civilian (commercial) pier.