Russia and Syria reach deal on Hmeimim and Tartus military bases

Russia and Syria have reached a memorandum of understanding to settle the future of Moscow’s military presence at the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base. The agreement follows 18 months of intensive negotiations.

Under the terms of the deal, the military facilities will be repurposed as joint training and capacity-building centers. The transition to this new arrangement is expected to be completed within three months. During this period, the Syrian state will take over the management of civilian facilities, including the Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at the Tartus port, integrating them into the country’s civilian administration.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the agreement is an important step toward improving bilateral military cooperation and will provide impetus to the full range of relations between the two nations. This development comes as the political landscape in Syria shifts following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.