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Russian Defense Ministry denies plans for setting up new military bases abroad

Russian military base in Tajikistan Nozim Kalandarov/TASS

Russian military base in Tajikistan

© Nozim Kalandarov/TASS

BISHKEK, February 28. /TASS/. Plans for setting up new military bases in foreign countries are not under consideration in Russia, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told reporters on Tuesday.

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"Such plans are not under consideration, but if a need arises and our partners agree then it will be possible. But right now no such plans are being discussed," Fomin said. He did not rule out the joint use of the Russian military base in Tajikistan by members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

"The base in Tajikistan has three priorities which concern the interests of Russia, the host country Tajikistan and the CSTO. Taking into account the growing terrorist threat as well as other threats, military presence in the form of military bases or in some other form is vital, particularly in the former Soviet states," the Russian deputy defense minister added.

The 201st military base is the largest Russian military facility abroad. The base is located in Dushanbe and Qurghonteppa. According to an agreement signed in October 2012, the base will remain in Tajikistan until 2042.

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