Russia eyes mid-July start for commercial logistics hub at Syrian port, officials say

Russia is reportedly planning to establish a commercial logistics hub at its naval base in Syria's Tartous port by mid-July, according to Syrian officials speaking to Reuters. The initiative aims to manage a variety of Russian exports, including wheat and grains, with an initial target of 250,000 tons of cargo per month.

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The hub will handle a wide range of Russian goods including wheat and grains, and target initial cargo volumes of around 250,000 tons per month.

The project is seen as a key element in Russia's strategy to sustain and expand its influence in Syria through economic means, particularly following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. This move occurs amidst a broader competition for influence, with the United States also seeking to ensure contracts for American companies and curb Moscow's military presence.

However, the information has been met with conflicting statements from Syrian authorities. While some officials detailed the project's operational timeline and cargo capacity, the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, through its spokesman Mazen Alloush, denied any such commercial hub would operate at the port. Alloush described the reports as "entirely false" and stated that any port-related agreements would be officially announced.

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The project, the officials said, is central to Russian efforts to maintain and expand its influence in Syria through economic channels, after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024 deprived Moscow of its staunchest ally in the Middle East.

The geopolitical landscape around Russia's presence in Syria has shifted significantly since the fall of Assad. Moscow has been a long-time ally, intervening militarily in 2015 to support Assad during a 14-year civil war. His ouster raised questions about the future of Russia's naval base lease at Tartous and its military base at Hmeimim.

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Any projects or agreements concerning Syria's ports and border crossings would be announced only through official government channels.

Despite these uncertainties, Russia and Syria are in negotiations regarding the future of these bases. This comes after Syria's new government canceled a 49-year contract with Russian company Stroytransgaz for port development, with the UAE's DP World securing a concession agreement. Nevertheless, the Russian-Syrian Business Council announced plans in June for an "assembly and distribution center for Russian goods" at Tartous, details of which were later provided to Reuters by officials and company documents.

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describing such reports as "entirely false."