"We are worried, however, that NATO is approaching our borders. We do not get closer to anybody, but by these actions, we are returning the positions lost earlier, we are returning our presence in this region," he stressed.
Moscow cements deal with Damascus
It was reported in January this year that Russia and Syria have signed an agreement on expanding the territory of the Russian Navy's logistics facility in Tartus for 49 years. The document was published on the official legal information portal, according to Tass.
"The current agreement will stay effective for 49 years and be automatically prolonged for 25-year periods, if neither party makes a twelve months' notice in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate the agreement's operation," the document said.
"The logistic facility shall enjoy full immunity from the civil and administrative jurisdiction of Syria. Its movable and immovable property enjoys immunity from search, requisition, arrest or executory measures," the document states.
The facility's personnel, including its commander, personnel and crews and their members will enjoy immunity and privileges. They are guaranteed the inviolability of the person.
"They shall not be subject to arrest or detention in whatever form by the Syrian authorities. The personnel of the facility, the families of personnel and of crewmembers are guaranteed the inviolability of the home, documents, property and correspondence," the agreement states.
Russian airbase in SyriaRussia and Syria have signed an agreement for 49 years on the presence of Russia's aerospace group at Syria's Hmeymim base. The document was also published on the legal information portal.
Under the arrangement Syria will let Russia use part of the Hmeymim airdrome and ground facilities.
"Perimeter protection of places of deployment of the Russian aerospace group is ensured by the Syrian side. The Russian side ensures air defense of places of deployment of the Russian aerospace group, interior guard and law and order at places of deployment of the Russian aerospace group," the document says.
Like the Naval agreement, the Russia-Syria agreement on the presence of Russia's aerospace group at Syria's Hmeymim base will operate for 49 years and will be prolonged for subsequent 25-year periods, if neither party makes a twelve months' notice in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate its operation.
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