Syria has reached a deal on the Russian bases from the Assad era.

Sirija and Russia have reached an agreement on the future of Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim following 18 months of intense negotiations, according to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Syria's state news agency. The deal outlines a framework for transitioning control over these strategic locations, marking a significant shift in the relationship between the two nations after years of close military cooperation. The agreement specifies that Syria will take over management of civilian infrastructure, including the Hmeimim airbase and the commercial port in Tartus. This transition aims to gradually integrate these facilities into Syria’s civilian administration. Military installations, meanwhile, will be repurposed into joint training centers under new arrangements designed to protect both countries' interests. The transition period is set to last three months. Russian naval base in Tartus and the Hmeimim airbase have long been key military footholds for Moscow in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Their future has been a subject of negotiation with Syria’s new leadership since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024. The agreement comes amid broader geopolitical shifts in the region, reflecting efforts to stabilize relations and redefine strategic partnerships. Negotiations began shortly after Assad’s removal, with both sides seeking to balance national sovereignty with continued military collaboration. The process involved multiple rounds of discussions involving high-level officials from both countries, focusing on the legal and administrative aspects of transferring control. Syria emphasized its desire to reclaim full authority over its territory while acknowledging the need for continued cooperation with Russia on security matters. The transition plan includes specific steps for the handover of civilian assets, ensuring their integration into Syria’s existing infrastructure networks. For military sites, the focus is on converting them into shared training facilities that serve both Syrian and Russian personnel. These changes aim to maintain operational continuity while aligning with Syria’s evolving defense strategy. Both countries have expressed commitment to the terms outlined in the memorandum of understanding. Syria’s government highlighted the importance of maintaining regional stability through cooperative frameworks, while Russia reiterated its interest in preserving its strategic presence in the area. The agreement does not specify whether Russia will retain any direct military presence beyond the newly defined roles of the converted facilities. The deal follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Syrian and Russian officials, aimed at addressing concerns related to sovereignty and security. It reflects a pragmatic approach to managing complex bilateral relations, particularly in light of shifting power dynamics in the Middle East. The implementation of the agreement will involve coordination between relevant ministries and agencies in both countries to ensure compliance with the outlined timelines and procedures. Syria’s new leadership has been working to reassert control over its institutions and territories, a process complicated by ongoing conflicts and external influences. The agreement with Russia represents one of several initiatives aimed at consolidating domestic authority while navigating international dependencies. Meanwhile, Russia continues to seek stable partnerships in the region despite challenges posed by changing political landscapes. The memorandum of understanding sets a clear path for the transformation of Tartus and Hmeimim, with detailed plans for each phase of the transition. Implementation will require careful planning and execution to avoid disruptions in operations or services. Both parties have indicated their readiness to support the necessary logistical and administrative measures to facilitate the changeover.