Syria and Russia reach deal on future of Tartous and Hmeimim bases after 18 months of talks

Aug 9 - Syria and Russia reached a memorandum of understanding to settle the future of Russian bases at Tartous and Hmeimim following 18 months of intensive negotiations, the Syrian foreign ministry said on Sunday, according to the Syrian state news agency.

The ministry said the Syrian state would take over management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian administration.

It said military facilities would be repurposed as joint training and qualification centres under new arrangements preserving the interests of both sides, with the transition to be completed within three months.

Russia's naval facility at Tartous and Hmeimim air base have long been Moscow's principal military footholds in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Their future has been the subject of negotiations with Syria's new leadership since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024.

In a separate statement, Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs said Syria would take over the commercial sites previously operated by Russia at Tartous port, including Pier No. 4 and its associated warehouses and facilities.

Reuters reported last month that Russia was seeking to establish a commercial logistics hub at Tartous port using Pier No. 4, a restricted zone outside the naval base.

The two sides said at the time the hub would remain under Syrian control, with all operations subject to approval by Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs. REUTERS