Syria, Russia Agree Deal On Military Bases
Syria to take over management of Hmeimim airport and Tartus port, with bases converted into joint training centers after 18 months of negotiations
Syria and Russia have agreed on the future management of Russian bases on the country's Mediterranean coast, with Syria taking over management of civilian facilities and the bases being converted into joint training and capacity-building centers. The agreement was reached after 18 months of negotiations.
The deal will see Syria take over management of the Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartus port. The military facilities at the bases will be converted into joint training and capacity-building centers, with the transition expected to be completed within three months.
The agreement marks a significant development in Syrian-Russian relations, paving the way for a new phase in their relationship. Russia's naval facility at Tartus and Hmeimim air base have long been Moscow's principal military footholds in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Current Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow twice since coming to power in January 2025. The Syrian government has been demanding that Moscow extradite former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024.
## What it means The deal effectively means Russia will no longer have military outposts in the Arab country. The facilities will be gradually integrated into the country's civilian administration. This move represents a reorganizing of the Russian presence along Syria's coast, and marks the most significant development since negotiations began.
The agreement is a significant step in the relationship between Syria and Russia, as Russia tries to build relations with post-Assad Syria. During the civil war in Syria between 2011 and 2024, Russia was Syria's main ally and military backer. However, Assad's ouster in 2024 dealt a major blow to Moscow's influence in the region.
## Why it matters The deal has significant implications for the region, as it marks a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East. The conversion of the military bases into joint training and capacity-building centers will allow for increased cooperation between Syria and Russia, while also reducing Russia's military presence in the region. The agreement also paves the way for a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations, which could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
