Latakia: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Latakia International Airport to meet with Russian officials and review the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Syria and Russia regarding Russian presence on Syria's coast.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Syrian Foreign Ministry released a statement revealing that al-Shaibani was joined by Chief of the General Staff Maj. Gen. Ali al-Naasan, Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Asim Hawari, Naval Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Saud, and Military Intelligence chief Brig. Gen. Hamza al-Hamidi. The purpose of the visit was to follow up on the procedures for implementing the memorandum and to assess the progress made in this regard.
The statement did not disclose the identities of the Russian officials involved or any specific details of the discussions. This visit comes shortly after Syrian military commanders inspected Latakia International Airport, also known as Hmeimim Airport, where they also engaged in talks with Russian military personnel.
The memorandum, reached after approximately 18 months of negotiations, aims to reorganize the Russian presence on Syria's coast, specifically at Hmeimim Airport and the port of Tartus. Announced by the Syrian Foreign Ministry on August 9, the agreement outlines the next phase of bilateral relations. Under the memorandum, Syria will take over the management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus port, with the goal of integrating these facilities into the civilian administrative framework.
For military sites, the memorandum stipulates redefining their roles to transform them from Russian military bases into 'joint training and qualification centers,' accommodating the interests of both nations. The transition is to be completed within three months, after which the new arrangements will be implemented.
Latakia airport has played a significant role in Russia's military operations in Syria, serving as a central hub since Moscow's military intervention in support of the Bashar al-Assad regime in 2015. The port of Tartus has served as a strategic naval base for Russia in the Mediterranean.