The program of strategic partnership in the defense sphere for 2022-2024 was signed on Tuesday by Russian and Kazakh military heads Sergei Shoigu and Murat Bektanov, who visited Moscow for the first time as defense minister.
"The program of bilateral strategic partnership in the military sphere for 2022-2024 defines the priority areas of cooperation in the defense sphere for the medium term," Shoigu said before signing the document. The ministers also approved a cooperation plan for 2022 specifying the order of implementation of the program.
The head of the Defense Ministry stressed that "the relations between the two countries' Armed Forces are of a strategic nature. In spite of all difficulties military cooperation between the military departments is developing steadily, and in strict accordance with the existing plans and the changes that life, in particular the Afghan issue, brings".
Shoigu expressed gratitude for support for the operation of Russian training ranges in Kazakhstan, which is especially important at a time of rapid development and mastery of new weapons systems. He thanked his Kazakhstani counterpart for his assistance and support in the transit of Russian military cargoes through the republic.
Shoigu also recalled the training of Kazakhstani servicemen in Russian military universities, stressing that the level of education in them gives cadets the necessary knowledge to ensure the defense capability of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan and the maintenance of the general system of anti-aircraft defense. According to the Minister, it is working thoroughly and reliably.
"In connection with the emerging new threats to defense, this system must be improved and replenished with trained young personnel," Shoigu concluded.
Exchange of experience and training
In turn, Bektanov noted the importance of security issues of the Commonwealth and CSTO states in the region, taking into account the Afghan issue. "We are working in this direction, providing feasible, good assistance to our Tajik colleagues," he said, noting that the situation in the region tends to improve.
He also thanked Russian colleagues for their help in organizing joint exercises in the framework of the Army International Games. According to him, the national military agency is carefully studying the combat experience of its Russian colleagues. Several bilateral exercises are planned for next year.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS