Russia and Syria have signed a memorandum on reorganizing Russia's military presence in the country, Syria's SANA news agency reported, citing the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
Under the document, Syria will take civilian control of Hmeimim airport and the fourth commercial berth at the Tartus port, gradually integrating these facilities into the country's civilian infrastructure.
The Russian military bases — Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province and the naval logistics point in Tartus — will be converted into joint Russian-Syrian training and exercise centers. The Insider notes that the document includes a three-month transition period before the new agreements take effect.
The memorandum follows about a year and a half of negotiations. Russian authorities have not yet commented on the report.