Russia to expand its worldwide military presence
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia says it plans to expand its worldwide military presence by seeking permission for navy ships to use ports in Latin America, Asia and elsewhere.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday in remarks carried by Russian news agencies the military was conducting talks with Algeria, Cyprus, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Seychelles, Vietnam and Singapore.
He said that it was essential for the Russian navy to be able to call at their ports to service its ships.
Shoigu said Russia was also talking to some of those countries asking them to allow long-range bombers to use their air bases for refueling.
President Vladimir Putin has launched a massive military modernization program and sought to demonstrate Russia's global reach by sending navy ships to the Mediterranean, Latin America and other areas.
