— Syria and Russia, after a year and a half of negotiations, signed an agreement to determine the future of Russia’s presence in Hmeimim and Tartus, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry.

Under this agreement, Syria will begin rebuilding Russia’s presence along the coasts and will take over control of non-military facilities, including at Hmeimim Airport and the Fourth Commercial Pier of the port of Tartus, and will gradually integrate them into non-military management.

At the same time, Russian military bases and facilities will be converted into joint training and qualification centers, and their functions will be defined within a new framework that preserves the interests of both countries.

The transfer is expected to be completed within three months, after which new executive arrangements will be put in place.