Syria and Russia agree on future of Russian military bases

Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum providing for Russian military bases to be converted into joint training centres.

Source: Syrian state news agency SANA, citing the country's Foreign Ministry

Details: The ministry said the agreement is the result of 18 months of intensive negotiations led by Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. It sets out the future status of Russian facilities in Khmeimim and Tartus.

Under the memorandum, Syria will take over the management of facilities designated for civilian use, including Khmeimim air base and Pier No. 4 at the port of Tartus, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian administration.

The two sides also agreed to review the role of facilities currently used for military purposes. Russian military bases will be converted into joint training and qualification centres.

The memorandum sets a deadline of no more than three months to complete the transition, after which the new arrangements will come into effect.

Syria's Foreign Ministry called the agreement its most significant achievement since negotiations began around 18 months ago, saying it paves the way for a new stage in Syrian-Russian relations.

Background: Reuters reported on 4 August that Syria had signalled to the US that it was ready to substantially reduce imports of Russian oil as part of negotiations over its removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

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