Syria and Russia have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, previously used by Russia to support the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war. According to a statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the bases will be transformed into joint centers for “training and capacity building,” serving the interests of both nations. This agreement comes after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and reflects Russia's ongoing efforts to establish strong relations with the new Islamist government in Syria. The new arrangement signals a shift from military support to a collaborative training framework. Details regarding the specifics of the “new arrangements” remain limited, but the deal underscores continued Russian influence in the region. This development represents a key step in the evolving geopolitical landscape of Syria post-conflict.