TASHKENT -- Russian and Uzbek Defense Ministers met this week to discuss military cooperation between their countries. The meetings follow the Uzbek president's visit to the U.S. last week, in which the two countries signed a 'strategic partnership.'
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Tashkent this week to meet with his Uzbek counterpart, Abdusalom Azizov, as well as Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and deepening cooperation between their two militaries. Defense Minister Shoigu called military cooperation with Uzbekistan "very important" and noted, "It refers, first and foremost, to the risks and threats coming from areas bordering Uzbekistan.
"In this regard, one cannot but point to the growing threat of international terrorism that has been moving from Syria to other countries, including Uzbekistan," he said.
He continued, "We cannot say that the situation in Afghanistan is getting safer and more stable as groups leaving Syria are particularly moving to Afghanistan. That said, it is highly important to train the military that would be able to protect the state in case the need arises."
Russia has often cited the potential risk of militancy in Afghanistan destabilizing the Central Asian countries.
Defense Minister Azizov touted historical, cultural, and economic ties with Russia, and stated that he believed the two countries should work to expand their cooperation, especially in regards to the training of military personnel and military-technical matters.
In addition to the meeting with Defense Minister Azizov, Shoigu met with President Mirziyoyev, to discuss Uzbekistan's military reform.
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