The materiel supply point (MSP) of the Russian Navy in Sudan will allow ensuring stability and peace in the region. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said.
"We believe that the creation of the MSP on the territory of the Republic of Sudan meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region," Fomin said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
According to the deputy minister, the military departments of the two countries have long agreed on the place, terms and conditions of deployment of the station. It is being created based on the desire of Russia and Sudan to develop military cooperation aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of the countries, he added.
"Russia is interested in the military presence in the region in order to combat terrorism, piracy, smuggling of weapons, drugs, slave trade, as well as to ensure safe commercial navigation," Fomin stressed.
At the same time, the deputy minister noted that the opening of the Russian MTO point in Sudan will create conditions of safe maritime activities not only for the Russian Federation, but also for other countries.
"Implementation of this project will also create favorable conditions for comprehensive support of ships and naval vessels performing combat service tasks and making inter-fleet crossings through the waters of the Red Sea," Fomin said.
Agreement
At the beginning of December it became known that Russia and Sudan signed an agreement on establishment of a logistical support point (MSS) of the Russian Navy in the territory of the African republic.
The logistics point is intended for repair, resupply and rest of the crew members of Russian warships. Sudan is transferring for free use to Russia for the duration of the agreement the territory and immovable property, including the coastal area and the water area with the zone of mooring front (the area of anchorage of floating craft). The maximum numbers of military and civilian personnel in the logistics base should not exceed 300, and increases are possible by agreement with Sudan.
The agreement is valid for 25 years with automatic prolongation for 10-year periods in case none of the sides at least one year before the expiration of the next period notifies the other one in writing through diplomatic channels about its intention to terminate the agreement.
On November 16, it became known that Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the government's proposal to sign an agreement on the establishment of a logistical support point for the Russian Navy on the territory of Sudan and instructed the Ministry of Defense to sign it.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alexey Ereshko / TASS
Based on materials from TASS