MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Vasily Osmakov has held a meeting with General Demosthene Pikulas, Chief of the Army Staff of Madagascar, to discuss bilateral military cooperation, Russia’s top brass reported on Tuesday.

"Vasily Osmakov has held a working meeting with General Demosthene Pikulas, Chief of the Army Staff of the Republic of Madagascar. During the talks, the sides discussed joint projects of bilateral cooperation in the defense sphere and further plans toward their practical implementation," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. According to it, the two senior defense officials "reaffirmed their commitment to developing constructive dialogue and maintaining their high level of interdepartmental partnership."

The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and confirmed mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties in the military sphere, the ministry noted.