The Russian warship, โAdmiral Grigorovichโ frigate, entered the Sudanese port where Moscow plans to build aย naval baseย on the countryโs Red Sea coast, Russiaโs Interfax news agency reported on Sunday.
It was the first Russian warship to enter Port Sudan, Interfax said citing a statement by the Russian fleet.
Russia announced in November a deal which outlined a โlogistical support centerโ to be set up in Sudan where โrepairs and resupply operations and rest for crew membersโ can take place.
The naval facilityโs capacity will be capped at 300 military and civilian personnel and four ships, including nuclear-powered vessels, according to the details published on the Russian governmentโs website.
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The base will stand on the northern outskirts of Port Sudan.
Russia will also gain the right to transport via Sudanโs ports and airports โweapons, ammunition and equipmentโ needed for the base to function.
The deal is slated to stand for 25 years โ as long as neither party objects to its renewal.
Moscow has in recent years turned its eyes to Africa as it renews its geopolitical clout.
It has wooed Sudan with military and civilian nuclear cooperation, signing a deal between the countriesโ armed forces in May 2019 set to last seven years.
