The Russian military department is ready to assist in the modernization and reform of the Armenian armed forces. The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu stated on Wednesday, welcoming Arshak Karapetyan in Moscow in the rank of the Minister of Defense of Armenia. TASS news agency reports.

“We attach great importance to the development of our cooperation in the military field, both in the bilateral format and within the CSTO. At the same time, we are ready to continue to assist in the implementation of the program to reform the Armed Forces of Armenia. The task is not easy, but I think that with your experience it will be up to the mark “, – Shoigu said.

He noted that the 102nd Russian military base is located on the territory of the republic, which is well equipped and is a guarantor of 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,” the minister added.

Shoigu congratulated Karapetyan on his appointment to the post, noting that it took place “in a difficult time, when there are difficult tasks of reforming the country’s defense sector.”

In turn, Karapetyan expressed gratitude to Shoigu for his willingness to help restore the combat capability of the Armenian Armed Forces, equip and train troops.

He stressed that his first foreign visit with the rank of defense minister is to Russia, which is a strategic ally of Armenia. “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,” Karapetyan said. “We are ready for very close and effective cooperation.”