Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding on reorganizing the presence of Russian military personnel along the Syrian coast. The agreement includes transferring civilian facilities to the control of the Syrian state and transforming Russian military bases into joint training centers.
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.
