The Russian military is ready to assist in the modernization and reform of the Armenian armed forces, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday as he welcomed Arshak Karapetyan in Moscow in the rank of Armenian Defense Minister.
"We attach great importance to the development of our interaction in the military sphere both bilaterally and within the CSTO. At the same time we are ready to continue supporting the implementation of the Armenian Armed Forces reform program. The task is not an easy one but I think it will be up to the task with your experience," Shoigu said.
He noted that the 102nd Russian military base is located on the territory of the republic, which is well equipped and is a guarantor of security. "Armenia is Russia's ally and key security partner in the Transcaucasus, and we are extremely interested in maintaining stability in this region," the minister added.
Shoigu congratulated Karapetyan on his appointment, noting that it took place "at a difficult time when the country's defense sector is facing complex reforms."
In his turn Karapetyan expressed his gratitude to Shoigu for the readiness to assist to the restoration of the combat effectiveness of the Armenian Armed Forces, to the equipping and training of the troops.
He stressed that his first foreign visit in the rank of defense minister is to Russia, which is Armenia's strategic ally. "Russia is the only state that provides a real tangible security product for the Armenian people and today deals with security issues not only in Nagorno-Karabakh, but also directly on the borders of Armenia," Karapetyan said. - We are ready for very close and effective cooperation."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS