Russia Finalizing Deal To Lease Syria's Tartus Port For 49 Years

Russian and Syrian marines hold joint drills in Tartus, Syria. © Sputnik / Dmitriy Vinogradov

RFE: Moscow Close To Finalizing Deal To Lease Syria’s Tartus Port For 49 Years

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met senior Russian officials for talks in Damascus on April 20, with both countries’ state media saying a deal was close to lease out Syria’s Tartus port to Russia.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Assad met over two days with Moscow's special envoy to Syria, Aleksandr Lavrentiev; Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin; Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov; and several Defense Ministry officials.

Officials said the meetings also included discussions on an upcoming round of peace talks and bilateral trade issues, as Moscow continues efforts to increase its influence in the Middle East.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I am willing to bet that in return for helping Assad in the Syrian war, the Russians are paying next to nothing nothing for this port.

More News On Russia Finalizing It's Deal To Lease Syria's Tartus Port For 49 Years

Syria's Assad discusses peace talks, Tartus port with Russians -- Reuters
Syria may soon lease out Tartus seaport to Russia for 49 years - Russian deputy PM -- TASS
Open for business: Syria renting port of Tartus to Russia for 49 years -- RT
Russia to Lease Syria's Tartus Port For Economic Purposes - Russian Vice PM -- Sputnik