Sudan confirmed agreement to allow Russia a logistics center near Port Sudan. 2017 talks led to 2020 agreement resolving years of negotiations. 2020 pact permits 300 military personnel and four ships, including nuclear-powered vessels. 25-year agreement with automatic 10-year extensions. Russia's role elevates to peer with US and China in region. Red Sea handles 12% of global maritime trade. Tartus base in Syria faces uncertainty post-Assad's overthrow