In a significant expansion of its military presence in Africa, Russia has finalized an agreement with Sudan to establish its first naval base on the continent, as confirmed by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef during his visit to Moscow.

The base will serve as a logistics hub for Russian warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, and can host up to 300 personnel. The agreement spans 25 years, marking a crucial development in Russia's global military footprint.

The strategic importance of this development is heightened by its location. The Red Sea, where the base will be situated, is one of the world's most strategically important waterways, with 12% of global trade passing through it via the Suez Canal. With this move, Russia joins China and the United States, both of which already operate military bases in nearby Djibouti.

The timing of this agreement is particularly notable. Russia's naval presence in the Mediterranean has faced uncertainty following the December overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Syria's new government is reassessing its military alliances, potentially affecting Russia's long-held bases in Tartus and Khmeimim.

According to Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef, both parties are in 'complete agreement' over the establishment of the port. The only remaining step is the ratification of the agreement, after which construction and operational planning can proceed.

This development aligns with Russia's broader strategic push into Africa, where it has already established presence through various means including military contractors and mining agreements. The move is widely seen as part of Russia's efforts to counter Western influence, build alliances with non-aligned nations, and secure economic resources critical for its geopolitical ambitions.