(VOVworld) – Russia and Syria agreed on Monday that the Russian airbase in Hemeimeem in Syria's coastal province of Latakia and its naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartous will continue to operate to help monitor the cessation of hostilities in Syria while Russia will pull the main part of its military out of Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin talked with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by phone, agreeing that Russia would reduce the number of Russian air forces in Syria.

Russia's fighter jets take off from the Hemeimeem air base near Latakia, Syria. (Photo: Reuters)

Syria’s SANA cited the official statement released by Syria’s Presidential Office as saying the move complies with Syria’s ongoing cessation of hostilities and matches the situation on the ground.  

The report said the decision was made based on the success of the Syrian army and the Russian air forces in fighting terrorism and restoring peace and security to many Syrian regions.

Syria’s Information Minister, Omran al-Zoubi, said that coordination between Syria and Russia against terrorism was still at its highest level. He reaffirmed that "there is no change in the political and military relations between Syria and Russia."

On Tuesday President Vladimir Putin began a partial withdraw of troops from Syria and promised to “intensify” Moscow’s role in the peace talks that have resumed in Geneva.