ArmInfo. The Russian Defense Ministry is ready to assist in the modernization and reform of the Armed Forces of Armenia. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said this in Moscow during negotiations with his Armenian counterpart Arshak Karapetyan.
"We attach great importance to the development of our cooperation in the military field, both in a bilateral format and within the framework of 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. The Russian Defense Minister noted that Russian 102nd military base is located in Armenia , which is well equipped and guarantees security.
"Armenia is an ally and key partner of Russia in ensuring security in the Transcaucasus, and we are extremely interested in maintaining stability in this region," Shoigu stressed. He also congratulated Karapetyan on his appointment to the post. According to Shoigu, it took place at a difficult time, when there are complex tasks for the forthcoming reform of the defense sector in Armenia. Karapetyan expressed gratitude to Sergei Shoigu for his readiness to help restore the combat capability of the Armenian Armed Forces.
"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 Karapetyan, Zvezda TV channel reports. He stressed that the first foreign visit in the rank of the head of the defense department was made to Russia, Armenia's strategic ally.