Russia promised not to establish naval base in Djibouti

20.05.2010 Russian warships will use the port of Djibouti while antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, although there are no plans to establish naval base there, informs ITAR-TASS referring to Russian Navy Main HQ.

"Djibouti's government and naval command allowed our warships which counter piracy in the region to call at the port of Djibouti upon preliminary request for crew rest and replenishment of water and food", specified the interviewee.

"PF large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov has already taken advantage of this opportunity. After successful anti-piracy operation over tanker Moscow University held on May 6, the warship called at port of Djibouti to replenish water supplies and let the crew have rest. Then the ship sailed off to escort international convoy through the Gulf of Aden", reminded the official. "Other Russian warships deployed in the region for anti-piracy activities will also take this opportunity", added the interviewee.

"Speaking of establishment of permanent Russian Navy base in Djibouti like in Tartus (Syria), it is prematurely to talk about it. This is not a matter of prime concern", underlined the source.