Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the go-ahead to an agreement with Sudan on setting up a Russian naval facility on Sudan's Red Sea coast.

Russia plans to create a logistics and repair hub for its navy that will be limited to 300 personnel.

According to a draft agreement, the base will stand on the northern outskirts of Port Sudan.

Analysts say that Moscow has become increasingly involved in Africa in recent years, partly to limit both Chinese and US influence on the continent.