Russia Wants to Open a Logistics Center in Syria

Russia plans to launch a commercial logistics center by mid-July at one of the two berths of the naval base it leases in the Syrian port of Tartous. The other part will continue to serve the Russian Navy, Syrian officials told Reuters.

The center is initially expected to handle approximately 250,000 metric tons of cargo per month. Russian wheat, grain, animal feed, oils, timber, steel, coal and sugar are expected to be imported through the port. The first shipment of 30,000 metric tons of grain is expected to arrive in mid-July.

The project aims to establish a regular shipping route between Novorossiysk, Russia, and Tartous. From there, the goods would be distributed throughout Syria and to neighboring countries, particularly Iraq and Jordan.

Moscow is thus seeking to maintain its influence in Syria even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. At the same time, Russia is negotiating with Damascus regarding the future of its military bases in Tartous and Hmeimim.

However, following the publication of the report, a spokesperson for Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs denied that Russia would operate a logistics center and described the information as false.

The United States is also closely monitoring the project and is calling on Syria to limit Russia's military presence and to cooperate primarily with American companies in the country's reconstruction.

(Reuters, luc)