Moscow: Agreement on Himeimim and Tartous Bases to Strengthen Russian-Syrian Cooperation

Welat TV – Erbil

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that the signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding the two Russian bases in Himeimim and Tartous would contribute to advancing relations between Russia and Syria and strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement, the ministry said the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides on August 9 regarding the operation of the two bases represents an important step toward strengthening bilateral military cooperation, as well as developing the legal framework governing such cooperation under the new circumstances, according to RT.

It added that the agreement would provide additional momentum for developing various areas of Russian-Syrian relations, which it described as being rooted in a history of friendship and partnership.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced on August 9 that it had reached a memorandum of understanding with Russia concerning the two Russian military bases in Tartous and Himeimim, explaining that the agreement provides for their transformation into joint training and qualification centers, while considering the mutual interests of both sides.

Russian Bases in Syria

The importance of the two bases stems from their role in Russia’s military presence in Syria. Himeimim Air Base in the countryside of Latakia served as a key hub for Russian military operations in the country, while the Tartous base is Russia’s main naval facility in the Mediterranean.

The agreement comes amid efforts to reorganize the framework of Russian-Syrian cooperation, particularly in the military field, against the backdrop of the new political and security conditions in Syria.