The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Russia to lease Syrian port for nearly 50 years

The Russian Federation will be leasing the naval port in the coastal city of Tartous for another 49 years, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told journalists on Saturday after meeting with Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad in Damascus.

“The crucial matter, which must give a positive dynamic for the development, is the matter of the use of the port of Tartus. The [Syria] trip has strengthened all former agreements. We have made significant progress on this question and we are hoping that the agreement will be signed within a week and that the port of Tartous will be in use by Russian businesses”, Borisov noted.

The Russia’s official also stated that he was hopeful that the move would result in a positive dynamic in mutual trade and that “primarily, it will become advantageous for the Syrian economy”.

According to the minister, the decision was made during the assembly of an intergovernmental commission back in December 2018.

Borisov also pointed that the port will not only be used by the military, but also for economic and logistical purposes.

Russia currently maintains a large naval presence on the Syrian coast; they also in control of the Hmeimim Airbase in Syria’s Latakia Governorate.

Source: Russia to lease Syrian port for nearly 50 years