# Syria, Russia agree to turn bases into joint training centres 2026-08-09T21:50:13+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to convert two Russian military bases into joint training and qualification centres within three months. The bases at Hmeimim air base in Latakia and the Mediterranean port of Tartus have been under scrutiny since the ouster of Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The Syrian Foreign Ministry called the pact the most significant development since talks began 18 months ago. Under the deal, Syria will manage civilian facilities like Hmeimim airport and a commercial berth at Tartus. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who met Vladimir Putin in Moscow last October, is also building ties with the US after meeting Donald Trump and getting sanctions lifted. ## Coverage - livemint.com Tags: diplomacy, joint training, Mediterranean, military bases, Russia, Syria Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/syria-russia-agree-to-turn-bases-into-joint-training-centres/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/syria-russia-agree-to-turn-bases-into-joint-training-centres/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.