Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) – Cooperation with Russia in military affairs represents a tangible stability factor and an important component in the strategic deterrence of threats by the Collective Security Treaty Organization in the Eastern Europe region. Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov made the statement during the joint session of the boards of the Belarusian and Russian defense ministries in Minsk on 24 October, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian defense minister said that military cooperation has a special place in Belarus-Russia relations. He noted that military cooperation with Russia represents a tangible stability factor for both countries. It also contributes a lot to deterring various threats in the Eastern Europe region through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Significant results have been achieved in Belarus-Russia cooperation over the years. One can definitely say with confidence that the defensive potential of the Union State of Belarus and Russia has become stronger. Andrei Ravkov mentioned the development and improvement of the regional military group in a way to match modern geostrategic, social and political, economic, and military technology reality. The military security of the Union State of Belarus and Russia was also mentioned. Andrei Ravkov made it clear that Belarus and Russia are of the same opinion about challenges and threats. “We also work to improve the united military systems, which capabilities are checked during joint exercises,” said the defense minister.

Andrei Ravkov also spoke about cooperation with Russia in military technology. “The development and advancement of manufacturing and R&D cooperation between Belarusian and Russian enterprises continues for the sake of developing and making weapon systems and military hardware. Russia is our main partner in acquiring defense products as well as in repairing and modernizing weapons and military hardware,” he stressed.

Cooperation in training military personnel is a success. Over 450 specialists are being trained in Russia for the Belarusian army. “Significant results have also been achieved in other fields of military cooperation. This is why cooperation of our defense ministries can be described as dynamic and effective over the course of many years,” summed up Andrei Ravkov.