Russia views more formats of cooperation with Afghanistan as well-timed - Shoigu

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Russia considers it appropriate to expand formats of cooperation with Afghanistan, Russia’s Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a meeting with Afghanistan’s presidential advisor in charge of national defence, Mohammad Hanif Atmar on Thursday. "I have listened to your speech with great interest," Shoigu said. "Your assessments of the situation in Afghanistan and measures to counter terrorist threats are of great interest for us and without doubt, for all visitors of the forum." Moscow is playing host to the 4th conference on international security. Russia welcomes Afghan new leadership’s aspiration to improve ties with it, including in the defence sector. "We call for making our partnership long-term and multi-aspect," he said. "We find the enlargement of formats and practice of our cooperation to be precisely timed and hope that your visit to Moscow will serve for improving and expanding our relations in defence and security." Shoigu notified Atmar that Russia would host the Army International Games and the Army-2015 international defence and technology forum and he invited Afghanistan to take part in them. At the same time, Atmar said that his mission was to express the Afghan president’s gratitude to Shoigu for the friendship and partnership Russia offers to the Asian country and for the help it provides. "Afghanistan has gained a lot from the Russian support and is set to expand and deepen interaction and cooperation with Russia," the Afghan presidential aide said. Read more