Russia does not plan to lose naval base in Syria

Vice Admiral Victor Chirkov, Commander of the Russian Naval Forces, said that Moscow will keep the Tartus Port in Syria, RIA Novosti reports.

The port is essential for combating pirates in the Gulf of Aden, the admiral said at the Moscow – Saint-Petersburg – Murmansk – Kaliningrad video conference.

The Black Sea Fleet operates in the Mediterranean Sea, he adds.