To crown it all, Ivashov did not rule out a possibility to resume talks with Vietnam regarding a possibility for Russia to deploy its battleships in Cam Ranh port. 

Russia’s largest overseas navy base was liquidated in 2002. The agreement signed between Russia and Vietnam in 1981 stipulated the use of two berths for Russian battleships and submarines, about 30 warehouses and a runway for all kinds of planes.

Cam Ranh used to play the key role in the plans of the Russian Navy, because it was the only base that was capable of providing the presence of Russian vessels in the Indian Ocean and in the Persian Gulf area. The annual rent made up $300 million.