Shoigu: Russia puts focus to boosting Armenian army's potential

Russia attaches particular importance to assisting the Armenian Armed Forces in increasing their potential.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made the statement at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Armenian media.

The talks between the Armenian and Russian defence chiefs took place on the sidelines of the meeting of the defence ministers of the SCO and CIS countries in Moscow.

"Armenia is our CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organisation] ally and a key strategic partner in the Transcaucasus. We are extremely interested in maintaining regional stability, and we are making every effort to this end. We attach special importance to the development of bilateral cooperation and assistance in increasing the potential of the Armenian Armed Forces," Shoigu said.

During the meeting, they approved a plan of cooperation between the two defence ministers for 2023.

Papikyan noted that this is the fourth meeting this year.

"We highly appreciate your initiative and efforts to organise the summit. December is always a time for summing up and thinking about plans for the future," he said.

The meeting of the defence ministers of the SCO and CIS countries took place on December 9 in Moscow, following which a joint communique was signed.