Sudan’s ruling military reviewed an agreement with Russia to build a navy base in the strategic Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Officials say Moscow has met Sudan’s most recent demands which included weapons and equipment, though Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the deal still needs ratification by Sudan’s yet-to-be-formed legislative body.

VOA’s Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to David Des Roches, professor at the National Defense University, about the strategic impact of the agreement.