Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament) has ratified the agreement with Syria on expanding the Russian naval supply facility in the Syrian port of Tartus, TASS News Agency reported.

The Russian president submitted the document to the Duma on December 13. According to the agreement, Russia has the right to have up to 11 warships deployed to the facility at the same time. Besides, the agreement stipulates that Russia will operate the naval facility. "Russia has the right to send the necessary number of troops to maintain the naval facility," the document says.