DAMASCUS. Jan 29 (Interfax) - The agreement on the management of Syria's Tartus seaport, the location of a Russian naval supply base, is purely technical issue that will be addressed at bilateral consultations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
Media said earlier, citing al-Watan, that the new Syrian authorities had terminated the agreement with Russia the management of the Tartus seaport but said they were not planning to terminate agreements on the stationing of Russian forces in Latakia and Tartus for now.
"This is a purely technical issue related to operations of our company. I believe certain mutually acceptable solutions could be found," Bogdanov said in response to a question whether the Tartus port management was discussed at the talks in Damascus following media reports about Syria's termination of the investment agreement with Russia.
A Russian interagency delegation visited Damascus on Tuesday for talks with Syrian administration head Ahmad al-Sharaa.
"We explained everything, our delegation included representatives of the companies, both STG Engineering and United Grain Company. They explained everything to the Syrian administration and expressed the readiness for further cooperation based on the agreements. That would require expert consultations," Bogdanov said.
Moscow would welcome a visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, he said.
"We said we stood ready for further contacts both in Syria and in Russia. If there is a wish, please, we will be glad to see the foreign minister in Moscow," Bogdanov said.