MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. Chief of Russia’s General Staff , General of the Army Valery Gerasimov, and NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Curtis Scaparrotti, have discussed European and global security issues at a meeting in Baku, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.

"The two military commanders exchanged views on the European and global security situation. General of the Army Valery Gerasimov noted NATO’s increasing military presence close to Russia’s borders, which is not conducive to easing tensions," the ministry stressed.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, "the parties briefed each other on major operational training activities planned in 2019."

"[They] reaffirmed interest in maintaining contacts," the ministry added.