Russian Navy seeks to deploy warships abroad

05.08.2010 Russia is interested in overseas deployment of its warships, although intends to work gradually, Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said to RIA Novosti.

Presently, Russia has only one naval base abroad (Tartus, Syria).

"Overseas deployment is good capability, but we should do it gradually and consider potential of the country. First step in this direction could be simplified procedure for ships' calls", said the commander.

According to him, many states apply such system. "We will make use of it. I am primarily referring to those countries with appropriate harbor infrastructure", Vysotsky said.

He specified that port area of mentioned countries was situated close to regions of strategic presence of Russian warships. "For instance, if we talk of eastern Mediterranean, that could be Turkey and Greece. By the way, both countries offer such opportunities. In addition, our relations with Italy have been improved, and that is western Mediterranean after all", said Vysotsky.