Russia and Nicaragua to sign several bilateral agreements in defense sphere - ministry

MANAGUA, February 12. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Nicaragua with an official visit. He will sign a number of bilateral agreements between Russia and the Central American nation. "During his visit to Managua, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry will hold negotiations with commander-in-chief of the Nicaraguan Army General Julio Aviles," head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s press service Major General Igor Konashenkov told journalists on Thursday. Shoigu will also have a meeting with Nicaraguan President Jose Daniel Ortega. The issues of military and technical cooperation will be discussed, Konashenkov said. "It is also planned to sign a number of bilateral documents in the framework of the visit," he added. According to Russian Defense Ministry’s assessments, the relations between Moscow and Managua in the military sphere develop rather dynamically. The defense ministers of the two countries regularly hold meetings. In 2013, Russian cruiser Moskva for the first time called at a Nicaraguan port, while Long Range Aviation jets landed at local aerodromes. Moscow is holding negotiations with Managua on using Nicaraguan aerodromes, establishing centers for inventory and logistical supports for the Navy, and simplifying the procedure for Russian ships to call at the country’s ports. Shoigu said the issue of using aerodromes in Nicaragua and Cuba is "close to practical realization." The agreement on a simplified procedure of calling at Nicaraguan ports may be signed in the nearest future. Nicaragua will become the third country to reach such an agreement with Russia, after Syria and Vietnam. At the same time, there are no discussions on permanent presence of Russian military in Nicaragua. The Central American nation may also be interested in Russian defense-related products. Russia’s arms exporter Rosoboronexport said that Nicargaua will consider offers "in the aviation sphere." Read more