The Protocol was signed January 18, 2017 in Damascus.
The Protocol stipulates international law provisions regulating terms for the deployment of the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Under the Protocol’s annexes, the Syrian side shall allow the Russian side to use land plots and real-estate properties free of charge for deploying the Russian air group.
The Protocol regulates issues related to the status of the Russian air group’s service personnel and members of their families, the status of civilian personnel, and the jurisdiction of the Russian air group. It also sets forth the procedure for regulating property relations and terms for using land plots.
Moreover, the Protocol sets forth the procedure for registering and redeploying the Russian air group’s transport systems and military equipment. It regulates issues related to data protection, the use of the Russian air group’s communications and radio-electronic warfare systems, the security of its bases, the use of weapons and other issues.
The Protocol states expressly that the Agreement shall remain in force for a period of 49 years, and that it can automatically be extended for 25-year periods. The Protocol shall be applied temporarily from the date of its signing.
The Protocol’s implementation meets the interests of the Russian Federation and will help formalise Russia’s long-term military presence in the region and maintain regional security.