Anatoly Antonov meets Uzbek Defense Minister

At the talks, the sides discussed actual issues of ensuring military security, military and military-technical cooperation, as well as determined directions of deepening the Uzbek-Russian cooperation in military sphere.

Antonov said that Russia and Uzbekistan are condemned to friendship and there is no alternative. The sides should develop strategic partnership with practical work and interaction of defense bodies as both countries have common threats and challenges.

Russian official offered to boost cooperation and concrete measures in training military specialists, ensuring military security and military-technical sphere. He invited the Uzbek side participate in events, organized by Russian Defense Ministry, such as International Army Games, Moscow international security conference, etc.

Antonov also briefed the Uzbek side on realization of the Russian initiatives on improving cooperation of the SCO defense bodies, directed at coordinating military cooperation, exchange of information and holding consultations.

He also provided information on tasks and actions of the Russian Armed Forces in combating Islamic State in Syria.

Russian official also handed over invitation of the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu to the Uzbek counterpart Kabul Berdiev to visit Moscow in any convenient time.