Russia to obtain air bases around world: Defence chief

, Feb 27:

looks forward to expand its

presence in the world's key areas, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.

"We are going to expand our presence," Xinhua quoted Shoigu as saying.

He elaborated that Russia has currently been negotiating with Singapore, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Seychelles in particular. "Results are nearly at hands," Shoigu said.

According to the minister, Russia is seeking to establish bases close to the equator for refuelling its strategic air force.

In 2013, Russia deployed a wing of fighters in Belorussia and plans to deploy more warplanes there this year.

Russia recently beefed up its military presence in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Shoigu also said that Russia is undertaking measures to secure safety of its military facilities in Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula where Russian Black Sea fleet is stationed.

IANS