Meeting of CIS Defense Ministers Begins with Participation of Azerbaijan and Armenia

The meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states has begun at the International Military Center in Moscow. This information was reported by RIA Novosti.

“Over the years of joint work, a trustworthy atmosphere of relations has been established, which contributes to the strengthening and development of new directions of interaction among the armed forces of CIS countries,” said Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu at the opening of the meeting. He noted that it is symbolic that the meeting takes place ahead of the organization's 30th anniversary.

According to the Russian minister, the format of the Council of Defense Ministers allows for the expansion of partnerships and the adoption of effective decisions for the benefit of ensuring the military security of the CIS.

“I am confident that today’s meeting of the council will also take place in a constructive atmosphere, and its outcomes will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in our countries,” added Shoigu.

Earlier, the ministers laid flowers at the Unknown Soldier memorial in Moscow’s Alexander Garden and observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War.

Before the meeting, commanders were shown original documents related to the defense of the Brest Fortress, the valor of the 28 heroes, battles for the Dnieper, the defense of Sevastopol, the capture of Berlin, and the Victory Parade held on June 24, 1945, at the Military Cooperation Museum.

The event is attended by delegations from the defense ministries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as from the CIS Executive Committee and the CIS Council of Defense Ministers' Secretariat.

The meeting is taking place at an international military center, which has recently been adapted by specialists of the Russian Defense Ministry to reflect the historical appearance of the first half of the 20th century, and offices have also been furnished for the delegations of the CIS countries.