The defense ministries of the two countries have prepared a program of strategic partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan in the military sphere for 2021-2025, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"Its implementation will make it possible to give the interaction a more systematic character and bring it to a level corresponding to the spirit of our special relations. This document has been developed for the first time. I propose to approve it today," Shoigu said at talks with Uzbek Defense Minister Bakhodir Kurbanov in Bukhara on Wednesday.
The Russian Defense Minister described bilateral measures to ensure military security, strengthening the combat capabilities of the Uzbek Armed Forces, as well as the training of military personnel as priorities of military cooperation. According to Shoigu, "it is necessary to maintain the achieved pace of interaction and develop it." "Our states successfully cooperate in many areas, including the security sphere. Today, it is important to jointly counter challenges and threats, especially international terrorism," the Russian Defense Minister said.
Shoigu invited his colleagues from Uzbekistan "to the landmark events of the Russian Defense Ministry this year - the Ninth Moscow Conference on International Security, the Army International Military and Technical Forum, and the Army International Games."
"We did it on purpose so that those who accept this equipment, purchase, operate it could see this equipment in action at all our ranges. And most importantly, to share the experience that the Russian Armed Forces have today in combating terrorism," Shoigu said.
"I wish your teams to perform as successfully at the games as they did at past competitions," Shoigu said.
He thanked his colleague for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and for the warm welcome. "My long-time dream to visit Bukhara, the pearl of Central Asia and an open-air historical museum, has come true. I am sincerely glad for our meeting and the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation issues," Shoigu said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS