The Syrian General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport has taken over the management of Latakia International Airport, following the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on reorganizing the Russian presence along the Syrian coast.

Under the memorandum, the Syrian state will assume management of civilian-use facilities, foremost among them Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus, paving the way for their integration into the civilian administration system.

Damascus and Moscow are also moving toward converting some military facilities into joint training and qualification centers within a period not exceeding three months.