MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. The strategic command and staff exercises Kavkaz-2016 will show the Russian Armed Forces’ capabilities for protecting national interests in the south-western direction, Defense Minister, General of the Army Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call on Tuesday.

"Let me speak separately about the preparations for the strategic command and staff exercises Kavkaz-2016. It is important to assess our capabilities for protecting national interests in the south-western strategic direction amid the uneasy international military and political situation," the defense minister said.

According to Shoigu, "troops and forces should practice combat cohesion and effective actions in the mountainous terrain, considering the growth of terrorist threats in the region."

This year, "it is necessary to continue developing military cooperation with our allies and partners, first of all, within the Collective Security Treaty Organization," the minister said.