Syria, Russia reach agreement on future of Hmeimim and Tartus bases

Syria’s Foreign Ministry has announced that an agreement has been reached with Moscow on the future of Russian military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus following a year and a half of negotiations, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Anadolu Agency, under the agreement, the administration of civilian facilities along Syria’s coast will be transferred to the Syrian government. Hmeimim Air Base and the Port of Tartus will also gradually come under Syrian administration.

The two sides have also agreed to reorganize Russian military bases and facilities, with the bases set to be transformed into Syrian training and exercise centers.

A maximum period of three months has been set to complete the transition process under the new arrangements.

The Foreign Ministry described the memorandum as the biggest breakthrough since talks began, saying it opened a new chapter in Syrian-Russian relations.

Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Russia and Syria’s new government began negotiations over the future of the Russian military facilities.

On August 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Dmitry Gadadkin as Russia's ambassador to Syria. He also relieved Alexander Yefimov of his duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Arab Republic.