A new inspection was conducted in Latakia to implement the arrangement concerning the future of Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast. On Friday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Latakia International Airport and discussed the agreement between the two countries with Russian officials.
Shaibani was accompanied by Chief of General Staff Major General Ali al-Naasan, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Asim Hawwari, Navy Commander Brigadier General Muhammad al-Suud and Military Intelligence Chief Brigadier General Hamza al-Hamidi.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the discussions assessed the steps to be taken to implement the agreement and progress in this area.
Reorganizing Russia’s presence
The arrangement covers Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus Port. The agreement calls for Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast to be restructured.
As part of the arrangement, management of civilian facilities will be transferred to the Syrian state, and the facilities will gradually be incorporated into the civilian administrative system.
The parties also agreed to redefine the existing functions of military facilities. Russia’s military bases are planned to be converted into joint training and qualification centers under new arrangements that take the interests of both countries into account.
The transition is expected to be completed within no more than three months, with the new arrangements taking effect afterward.
The importance of Latakia and Tartus for Russia
Two days before Shaibani’s visit, Syria’s military commanders also inspected Latakia International Airport and met with Russian military officials.
Latakia Airport was used as one of the main centers of Russia’s military presence in Syria. After intervening militarily in Syria in 2015 to support the government of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow turned the airport into an important hub for air operations.
Tartus Port also became one of the centers from which Russia maintained its naval presence in the Mediterranean. Syria and Russia reached the agreement reorganizing Russia’s coastal presence on August 9, following negotiations that lasted about a year and a half.
