Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani and Russian high-ranking officials have discussed the military cooperation between the two countries.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister and Zakir Hasanov, the Azerbaijani Defense Minister met on August 1 during latter’s visit to Moscow, Azerbaijani defense ministry reported.

"I am very pleased that you have found time to take part in the opening ceremony of Army games. Hopefully, your team will show good results," RIA Novosti quoted Shoigu as saying at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani and Russian defense minsters exchanged views on topical issues of regional security, as well as on the state and prospects of military cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan and Russia established diplomatic relations on April 4, 1992.

Russia is the main trade partner of Azerbaijan in the CIS. It also ranks first among the countries importing from Azerbaijan.

Currently, there are 570 companies with Russian capital in Azerbaijan. Russia has recently invested $628.4 million in Azerbaijan's fixed capital. But Azerbaijan's investment in the Russian economy for 10 years amounted to nearly $1 billion.

Russia hosts the first International Army Games on August 1-15 with teams from 16 other nations expected to take part in various contests organized by the Russian defense ministry.

Participants of this year's International Army Games include: Azerbaijan, Angola, Armenia, Belarus, China, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Venezuela, as well as Russia.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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