Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif announced on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, that there are "no concerns" regarding Russia's intention to establish a naval base in Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
During a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, the Sudanese minister stated that they are in complete agreement on this matter and foresee no issues with the establishment of the naval facility that Russia has been planning for years near Port Sudan. The Sudanese minister emphasized that this issue is straightforward.
Sudan relies on Russia militarily, especially after the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, following three decades in power, which resulted in international isolation and severe American sanctions.
During al-Bashir's rule, Khartoum and Moscow reached a 25-year agreement allowing Russia to build and operate a naval logistics base on the Red Sea. However, after al-Bashir's removal, the Sudanese military placed this agreement "under review".
Following the outbreak of conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearly a year ago, Russia has been working to strengthen relations with both sides of the conflict, according to reports.
Reports indicate that Russian officials visited Port Sudan in recent months, which serves as a hub for the army during its conflict against the RSF.
Last year, a senior Sudanese leader stated that Russia sought to establish a base providing access to the Red Sea in exchange for weapons and ammunition. They consider this plan beneficial for Russia, particularly after the repercussions of Bashar al-Assad's regime's collapse in Syria, thereby jeopardizing its presence in the region.