Kazakh Defense Minister Dauren Kossanov held talks with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, on the sidelines of the 85th meeting of the Council of CIS Defense Ministers.
According to a statement from the Kazakh Ministry of Defense, the ministers discussed issues of regional security, bilateral cooperation in military training, and patriotic education. Both sides assessed the talks as a contribution to the further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia in the field of defense and security.
Following the negotiations, the two defense chiefs signed a plan for military cooperation between their countries for the year 2026.
Minister Kosanov also expressed gratitude to the Russian side for its support in organizing the "Aibyn" military-patriotic gathering, held this summer in Kazakhstan. The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hero of the Soviet Union, sniper Aliya Moldagulova.
"This event is an effective tool for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the youth of our states. In 2026, we plan to hold it in the city of Shchuchinsk. We will be happy to welcome your team at this forum," Kosanov was quoted as saying.
In a separate meeting on the forum's sidelines, Kosanov met with Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin. Kosanov noted that bilateral military cooperation is "developing successfully and has good prospects." The Belarusian defense ministry reported that a military cooperation plan for 2026 between Minsk and Astana was also signed during this meeting.
According to the Kazakh Defense Ministry, the CIS defense ministers' meeting brought together the heads of military departments from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Secretary of the CIS Council of Defense Ministers. The meeting is expected to conclude with the signing of a joint work plan for 2026 and a package of documents aimed at developing military cooperation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS