In a significant development, Syria has announced a deal with Moscow to transform its two Russian military bases – the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base – into joint training and capacity-building centers. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, this agreement was reached after over a year of negotiations and aims to preserve mutual interests. Under the deal, these bases will transition into joint facilities within three months, with civilian facilities being handed over to Damascus in the interim. While Russia has yet to officially comment, it is expected that Russia's military presence in Syria will be clarified in the coming weeks. The agreement signifies a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations, with both parties expressing willingness to cooperate. Notably, this comes after Russia played a crucial role in supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during Syria's 13-year civil war. Despite demands for Assad's extradition from Damascus, Russia has been working to secure the future of its only two official military bases outside the former Soviet Union.