Russia stages military parade in Syria

Russian troops yesterday staged a military parade for the Russian fleet in the city of Tartus, off the coast of Syria, in celebration of the country’s Navy Day.

This is the first time the parade is held outside of Russia.

The naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartus provides material and technical supply for the Russian fleet.

Russia Today news site reported that the main parade took place in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and home of the navy’s headquarters as well as in Tartus, Syria.

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Moscow and Damascus signed an agreement earlier this year on the modernisation and expansion of the Russian naval base in Tartus.

The Russian Defence Ministry said in October that Moscow is preparing to turn Tartus into a permanent base.

The agreement provides for the expansion of the Tartous base so that it can receive at least 11 warships at the same time, including nuclear engines.

The 49-year agreement can be extended for another 25 years with the agreement of both parties.