Syrian military delegation visited cruiser Petr Veliky in Tartus

15.04.2010 Large delegation of Syrian armed forces headed by Taleb Al-Barri, Syrian Navy Commander on Wednesday paid a familiarization visit to Russian heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Petr Veliky which stays at Syrian port Tartus, reports RIA Novosti.

Along with high-ranking officials of Syrian Navy, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Syria Sergei Kirpichenko also visited Russian cruiser.

The ship commander Capt 1 rank Felix Menkov guided Syrian officers over Petr Veliky which is the world's largest non-carrying warship. Syrian naval officials were mostly interested in the ship's arms, her combat capabilities and characteristics.

"Cruiser Petr Veliky has called at Tartus and that's an outstanding event. It is a continuation of our long historical ties with Syrian Arab Republic and pledge of further development of our contacts in naval sphere and in other fields of activity", said the Russian ambassador to Syria at the press conference.

Syrian leaders and community are interested in strengthening of relations between the two countries, and intensive development of economic and military cooperation, pointed out the ambassador.

"Preparing for the visit, we felt friendly attitude of Syrians. When Russian ship stays at the port flying St. Andrew's flag, locals feel great security. We hear that everywhere in Syria", said Kirpichenko.

As the ambassador noted, at present long-standing partnership relations between Russia and Syria see their second birth.

"It is when Russia obtained new capabilities, when our warships are seen in the Mediterranean again, when our economic and political positions are being improved. Naturally, all that evokes friendly attitude here in Syria", he said.

"Surely, the cruiser's visit [to Syrian port] is a prelude to new events in our bilateral relations. After a little while we'll witness new achievements in our bilateral cooperation with Syrian Arab Republic", added Mr. Kirpichenko.

On Tue and Wed cruiser Petr Veliky was also visited by representatives of Russian embassy and employees of Russian companies with their families. Excursions over the ship were organized for all compatriots living in Syria.

Most of officers, ensign and enlisted personnel of the cruiser managed to come ashore and visit ancient Syrian city of Tartus. On Wednesday evening the ship sailed off to continue the long-range cruise.

Tartus is the second largest Syrian port city after Latakia. It is located at the Mediterranean seashore somewhat 250 km northwest Damascus. Population is over 337,000 people. Tartus is a terminal point of the first Syrian mainland pipeline from oilfield discovered by Soviet geologists and developed with participation of Soviet experts and facilities. The city was founded by Phoenicians in II century B.C. In the time of crusaders Tartus was one of Christians' strongholds in the East Mediterranean.

Syria is one of few countries where Russian military objects are based. Since Soviet times (1988) there is Russian Navy's technical support base located in the port of Tartus. Small staff of Russian mariners keeps the base functioning.

In Tartus port Russian ships can replenish supplies of water and perishable products, as well as eliminate current failures. If necessary, BSF floating workshop may be dispatched there, too.

Manpower of Syrian armed forces numbers 320,000. Presently, Russia is a principal arms supplier for Syria.

Heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Petr Veliky is a flagship of Northern Fleet; the ship sailed off Naval Base Severomorsk on March 30 to participate in large-scale ocean exercise along with Russian task force. Port calls and joint drills with Russian partners are scheduled during the cruise.

Petr Veliky is the world's biggest non-carrying warship. The cruiser is designed for destruction of large sea surface targets, antiaircraft and antisubmarine defense of naval formations in distant regions of the World Ocean.