Moscow and Damascus have signed an agreement allowing up to eleven Russian warships, including nuclear-powered warships, to dock in the Syrian port of Tartus at any one time.
“The maximum number of the Russian warships allowed at the Russian naval facility at one time is 11, including nuclear-powered warships, providing that nuclear and ecological security rules are observed,” the agreement says.
Russia will be also able to expand the territory of its naval facility and upgrade its infrastructure to conduct repair works, restock supplies and give crews time for rest.
Moscow is allowed to bring in and out any kind of “weaponry, ammunition, devices and materials” to provide security for the facility throughout the territory of Syria “without any duties or levies.”
The use of the naval facility will be free of charge.
The agreement has been signed for 49 year. It could be prolonged by 25 more years if both sides agree.
The agreement was signed on January 18 and revealed on January 20.