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Russia views Uzbekistan as strategic partner in Central Asia — defense minister

Russia’s Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu has met with with his Uzbekistani counterpart Major-General Abdusalom Azizov

TASHKENT, October 12. /TASS/. Russia views Uzbekistan as a strategic partner in Central Asia, including in the sphere of security, Russia’s Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with his Uzbekistani counterpart Major-General Abdusalom Azizov on Friday.

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"I am sincerely glad to hold this meeting and have a possibility to discuss the issues of bilateral military cooperation. Uzbekistan is Russia’s strategic partner in Central Asia," Shoigu said.

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"In present-day conditions, it is necessary to jointly counter challenges and threats, especially the spread of international terrorism in the region," Shoigu stressed.

"Today we will discuss this issue at a session of the CIS Council of Defense Ministers," he said.

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