Russian, Kyrgyz defence ministers discuss situation in Afghanistan, arms supplies

ASTANA, July 4 (Itar-Tass) - Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Kyrgyz counterpart Abibilla Kudaiberdiyev have discussed the situation in Afghanistan and supplies of arms and military equipment. “Unfortunately, it is too early to speak about stability in Afghanistan, even after the elections there,” the Russian defence minister said. “We hoped much the elections could bring peace to that part of the world, but the situation is different there as yet.” The defence minister said the armed forces of Russia and Kyrgyzstan had been cooperating successfully both under bilateral programmes and in the framework of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) and planned to develop mutual security, including at the border between Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Shoigu continued saying the countries should discuss further training at Russian military education institutions of Kyrgyz specialists, as well as supplies of arms and military equipment. Kyrgyzstan’s defence minister thanked Shoigu for successful cooperation between the defence ministries. On Thursday, Shoigu arrived in Astana (Kazakhstan) to participate in another meeting of the CIS defence ministers’ council, which Russia presides this year. Learn more on itar-tass.com