Russian, Armenian defence ministers to discuss mil cooperation

ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 20 2004

YEREVAN, May 20 (Itar-Tass) – Russian Acting Defence Minister Sergei
Ivanov’s two-day working visit to Armenia that will begin on Thursday
will focus on Russian-Armenian military cooperation issues.

Ivanov will have talks with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisyan,
and they are expected to sign joint documents.

The two ministers will discuss developing Russian-Armenian relations in
the area of military and technical military cooperation and exchange
views on military issues, including ensuring regional security,
the Armenian Defence Ministry’s press secretary Seiran Shakhsuvaryan
told Itar-Tass.

Russian-Armenian military cooperation is considered the most advanced
area in bilateral relations.

The Russian military base in Armenia is believed to be one of the
most important constituent parts of Armenia’s national security.

The Russian Defence Minister on Friday will chair a meeting of the
CIS defence minister council.

Among the main issues on the agenda are development and supporting
of combat readiness of the CIS united air-defence system.

The meeting will discuss a draft programme for ensuring comprehensive
resistance of CIS countries to air attack forces and means.