Syria’s relations with Russia formally entered a new phase in August, when the formerly close allies agreed to reorganize Moscow’s military presence at two key installations on the Mediterranean coast. The first signs of the new arrangement were visible within days.

On Aug. 11, Syrian authorities began receiving wheat and cement shipments at a commercial berth previously used by Russian forces, while Russian personnel were seen moving equipment away from the pier, Reuters reported.

The symbolism of the development was hard to miss amid President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s broader push to put years of wartime hardship behind Syria by shifting the country toward economic development and reconstruction. 

Under the deal, hammered out over 18 months of negotiations, Syria is reclaiming control over civilian facilities at Tartus and Hmeimim, while the military sections are due to become joint training centers within three months. Yet the agreement does not amount to a clean Russian exit. Moscow is expected to retain a military presence, and Russia has publicly presented the deal as a step toward stronger bilateral cooperation in the military sphere. This has come alongside competing interpretations of the arrangement’s significance.