Sudan and Russia have reached a final agreement on establishing a Russian naval base in the Sudanese Red Sea coast, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Sharif said on February 12 as cited by Al Arabiya.

In April 2021, media reports surfaced suggesting Sudan had agreed to allow Russia to build a naval base on the Red Sea to control strategic shipping lanes. Since then, Russia has consistently denied having finalised an agreement.

Sharif confirmed that the two parties had no obstacles to the deal. He did not provide further details. The improved relations between Russia and Sudan's military leadership in recent years could create a more receptive environment for such a deal.

The Russian naval base plan was initially signed during the ex-dictator Omar al-Bashir’s presidency. The plan has remained under review since his removal in 2019. Opposition parties refused the plan and local media cited some army officials for not welcoming the proposal. 

In an interview with Sputnik in early June, Sudan’s ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Siraj, said: “This is a logistical support point on the Red Sea, and it has been signed between the two countries... We are currently reviewing the matter within the framework of our bilateral relations, which I believe are developing positively. We hope to strengthen these ties further.”

Russian officials have recently visited Port Sudan. The city on the Red Sea serves as the Sudanese army's headquarters amid the ongoing civil war.

Late in 2024, Sudan Tribune reported that Russia was seeking a refuelling station on the Red Sea in exchange for weapons and ammunition for Sudan. It cited sources then who confirmed that both sides were close to signing a 25-year agreement on military cooperation and Port Sudan access. 

The Russian naval base in Sudan could be strategically important for Russia. It would help the Russians have to keep a strong foot in the region following uncertainties about its existing naval bases in Syria.