Russia and Syria Agree to Reshape Moscow’s Presence on the Syrian Coast
World
Russia and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding defining a new format for Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast. The agreement follows nearly 18 months of negotiations and provides for the transfer of civilian facilities to Syrian government control.
Under the memorandum, Syria will take control of Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the Port of Tartus. The facilities are to be gradually integrated into Syria’s civilian infrastructure. Other commercial facilities in Tartus previously managed by Russia will also be transferred to Syrian authorities.
The military facilities will also receive a new role. Russian military facilities at Hmeimim and Tartus are to be transformed from their previous format into joint training and qualification centers. The transition to the new arrangement is expected to be completed within three months.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the memorandum as the most significant outcome of its negotiations with Moscow over the past 18 months. The agreement does not amount to a complete end to Russia’s presence in Syria; rather, it restructures that presence and reallocates the functions of the facilities between the Syrian and Russian sides.
The military facilities will also receive a new role. Russian military facilities at Hmeimim and Tartus are to be transformed from their previous format into joint training and qualification centers. The transition to the new arrangement is expected to be completed within three months.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the memorandum as the most significant outcome of its negotiations with Moscow over the past 18 months. The agreement does not amount to a complete end to Russia’s presence in Syria; rather, it restructures that presence and reallocates the functions of the facilities between the Syrian and Russian sides.
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