Russia is ready to assist in the modernization and reform of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated on Wednesday at the meeting with Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan. To note, Karapetyan is visiting Moscow on a working trip. 

“We attach great importance to the development of our cooperation in the military field, both in the bilateral format and within the CSTO.  At the same time, we are ready to continue to assist in the implementation of the program on reforming the Armed Forces of Armenia.  This is not an easy task, but I think that with your experience it will be up to the mark,” Shoigu said as quoted by TASS news agency. 

The Russian minister next noted that the 102nd Russian military base is located on the territory of Armenia, which is well equipped and is a guarantor of security.

“Armenia is ally and key partner of Russia in ensuring security in Transcaucasus, and we are extremely interested in maintaining stability in this region,” added the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation.

Sergei Shoigu expressed his readiness to provide all-round support to the implementation of the programs of reforming the Armenian army on time.

In turn, Arshak Karapetyan expressed gratitude to Sergei Shoigu for his readiness to help restore the combat capability of the Armenian Armed Forces, equip and train the troops.

“Russia is the only state that provides a really tangible product of security for the Armenian people and today deals with security issues not only in Nagorno-Karabakh, but also directly on the borders of Armenia.  We are ready for very close and effective cooperation,” said Arshak Karapetyan.

Source Panorama.am

12 August 2021 / 10:09