Damascus and Moscow sign memorandum on reorganizing the Hmeimim and Tartus bases

Damascus and Moscow have concluded a memorandum of understanding on the reorganization of Russian military bases on the Syrian coast.

As Report informs, citing the SANA agency and the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the agreement was the result of a year and a half of negotiations and determined the new status of the facilities in Hmeimim and Tartus. Under the document, Damascus will take control of civilian facilities, including the Hmeimim airport and the 4th commercial berth of the port of Tartus, with their gradual integration into the country's civil administration.

In addition, the military bases will be transformed into joint training and qualification centers. The memorandum provides for the completion of all transitional period procedures within three months. The Syrian foreign policy department described the agreement as a most important stage that opens a new page in relations between the two states.