Aug 9 (Reuters) - 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.

Syria and Russia have agreed to end Moscow's use of two strategic Mediterranean coastal bases as military outposts.

New status of bases is part of agreement to reorganise Russian military presence in Syria