Under the memorandum of understanding, Syria will gradually take control of civilian facilities at the sites, including Khmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus port, according to the ministry’s Media and Communications Directorate.
The facilities will be integrated into Syria’s civilian administration system as part of the new arrangements.
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Russia and Syria have also agreed to transform the military facilities at the two locations from traditional military bases into joint training and qualification centers.
The new arrangements are intended to preserve the interests of both countries while changing how the facilities are managed and used.
The memorandum sets a maximum three-month period for the transition to be completed, after which the new arrangements will take effect.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the agreement as the “most significant development” since negotiations began around 18 months ago.
The deal could mark a significant change in Russia’s military footprint in Syria, where the Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval facility have played a central role in Moscow’s regional military presence.
The Syrian government said the agreement opens the way for a new phase in relations between Damascus and Moscow.
