KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, December 21. /TASS/. More than 80 countries, including NATO members, have been invited to take part in the 2018 International Army Games, Alexander Zinchenko, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation, told reporters.
"We have sent invitations to more than 80 countries, including NATO member-states. Negotiations are underway. By May or June, we will know the list of the countries, which will take part in the Games," Zinchenko said at the first news conference dedicated to preparations for the competitions.
"The issues of organizing and ensuring military games of such a level evoke considerable interest, which is quite understandable. Such games help share experience and contribute to efforts to strengthen international military cooperation," he added.
The International Army Games will be held from July 28 to August 11, 2018, in six countries, including in Iran for the first time. In 2017, the games were held in five countries, with 28 competitions held. A total of 150 teams from 20 countries took part in them. The games were attended by 44 observers from 36 countries.