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The Russian military department is ready to assist in the modernization and reform of the Armenian armed forces. This was stated on Wednesday by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, welcoming Arshak Karapetyan to Moscow in the rank of Armenian Defense Minister, TASS 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. This is not an easy task, but I think that with your experience it will be up to the task.” – said Shoigu.

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, noting that it took place “in a difficult time when there are difficult tasks of reforming the country’s defense sector.”