All news

Lima and Moscow to broaden technical military cooperation

Peruvian Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano held talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu

BOGOTA, October 16 (Itar-Tass) - Russia and Peru will strengthen partnership in the sphere of defense by giving greater scope to technical military cooperation and exchanges of technologies, Peruvian Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano said Tuesday at the close of talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Commenting on the results of the ministerial meeting, Cateriano pointed out that the Peruvian government intends to revitalize the two countries' interaction mechanisms, set out in the intergovernmental agreement dated April 13, 2004. "In this field, we hope to develop joint projects which would become the specific result of the new phase of our relations," Cateriano emphasized.

The Peruvian Defense Minister singled out military education as one of priority aspects of interaction, pointing out that Peru "will broaden exchanges (with Russia) in the field of education and the training of personnel.

"We believe that the Russian Federation must become one of our main strategic partners, and not only bilaterally but in a broader context as well," the Minister pointed out, stressing Moscow's tangible contribution to efforts to settle international conflicts. "This is necessary for strengthening peace and international security".

Shoigu's visit to Peru ended on Tuesday night. The Minister is due to leave Lima by air for Brasilia for a meeting with Brazilian Defense Minister.