International
Syria and Russia agree on the future of military bases in the Mediterranean
Damascus and Moscow sign a memorandum to maintain the Russian presence in Hmeimim and Tartus under a new cooperation scheme.
The Damascus government has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Moscow regarding the Russian military presence in Syria. According to the information provided, this agreement has been reached after a negotiation process that lasted 18 months.
The new agreement will allow the bases in Hmeimim and Tartus to continue operating, but under a scheme that will transform these facilities into joint training centers. Both parties stated that this will help preserve their mutual interests in the region.
The memorandum also stipulates that, although Damascus will take control of the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus port, Russian forces will continue to have a significant presence at these locations.
This development comes amid a context of internal political changes in Syria, with a new post-Assad government seeking to redefine relations with strategic allies, in this case, Russia.
The agreement is part of Syria's efforts to solidify its military cooperation with Russia, which has played a crucial role in the Syrian conflict since its inception.