Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to reorganize Russia’s military presence on the Syrian coast and transfer key civilian facilities to Damascus control, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s Media and Communications Department speaking to state news agency Sana.
The agreement concludes 18 months of intensive negotiations between the two nations, marking a major shift in bilateral relations following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Under the terms of the deal, the Syrian state will take over management of civilian infrastructure, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus, with full integration into Syria’s civilian administration slated for completion within three months.
Transition of Military Bases to Joint Facilities
The memorandum redefines the operational scope of Moscow’s long-standing military installations on the Mediterranean coast. According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the Hmeimim air base and the naval facility at Tartus will be transformed from military bases into joint training and rehabilitation centres designed to protect mutual interests.
Russia’s military footprint in Syria dates back to 1971, when the Soviet Union established a naval support facility at Tartus. Moscow significantly expanded this presence in 2015 by establishing the Hmeimim air base near Latakia to support the Assad regime during the civil war. Following the political transition in late 2024, the future of these strategic Mediterranean footholds became the central focus of diplomatic talks, which included two official visits by Syrian leader Ahmad Al Shara to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in October 2025 and January of this year.
Civilian Integration and Commercial Operations
Alongside the military reorganization, Syrian authorities moved quickly to assume operational control over designated commercial and aviation sites. According to Sana, Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport took over management of Latakia International Airport on Sunday. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Shibani inspected the facilities at Latakia and Tartus, characterizing the accord as a historic development that opens a distinct phase in relations.
In a separate statement reported by Reuters, Syria’s General Authority for Ports and Customs confirmed that the state will assume management of the commercial sites previously operated by Russia at Tartus port, specifically Pier No. 4 and its associated warehouses. Reuters reported last month that the hub will remain under Syrian control, with all operations subject to regulatory approval by the General Authority for Ports and Customs.
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