SANA reported this, citing Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Ukrinform.

According to a representative of the Foreign Ministry's communications department, the agreement regulates the future status of Russian facilities in Khmeimim and Tartus. It is the result of approximately a year and a half of intensive negotiations led by Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the memorandum, Syria will assume control of facilities designated for civilian use, including Khmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus. This will allow the facilities to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian infrastructure.

The parties also agreed to reconsider the use of facilities currently designated for military purposes. Russian military bases will be transformed into joint training and qualification centers under the new arrangements.

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According to the ministry, the transfer of the facilities is to be completed within three months, after which the new arrangements will take effect.

Syria's Foreign Ministry described the agreement as the most important development since negotiations began approximately 18 months ago, saying it opens the way for a new stage in relations between the two countries.

As Ukrinform reported, Syria's new authorities, with Turkey's support, had opposed maintaining a Russian military presence in the country.

Since the beginning of 2025, Russia had sought to retain its bases in Syria, but its decision to provide protection to former dictator Bashar al-Assad weakened its position in the negotiations.

Photo: AA