jordan pulse -

Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding on reorganizing Russia's military and civilian presence on Syria's coast, following roughly a year and a half of intensive negotiations led by Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, according to the ministry.
Under the memorandum, the Syrian state will take over management of facilities with a civilian character — chiefly Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the Port of Tartus — allowing both to be gradually folded into civilian administration.
On facilities and bases with a military character, the two sides agreed to redefine their function, converting them from military bases into joint training and qualification centers, under new arrangements designed to preserve both countries' mutual interests.
The memorandum set a deadline of no more than three months to complete the transition, after which the new arrangements will take effect.
The agreement marks the most significant step since talks between the two sides began about a year and a half ago, and opens the door to a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations.