Russian DM Shoigu discussed with Raul Castro military cooperation between Russia and Cuba

Source : http://russian.rt.com

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived with his first visit to Cuba. During the meeting in Havana with the Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro Shoigu said that the Russian-Cuban relations in the military and military-technical sphere constructively develop, RIA Novosti reported.

"Our military relations are developing constructively. We are grateful to the Cuban side for the reception, provided by a Russian military ships and vessels during the approach to the port of Havana. Interested in expanding cooperation in the naval field, "- said the head of the Defense Ministry.

The Russian minister also thanked the Cuban government for gentle memory of the Great Patriotic War and stated the similarity of the two countries to the global and regional security.

"His visit to Cuba considered in the context of dynamically developing bilateral relations. It is encouraging that it takes place in the year when we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. I would especially like to thank the Cuban leadership for the fact that the memory of this great event of the twentieth century hold sacred in your country - 9 May is an official holiday in Cuba, "- said Sergey Shoigu during a meeting with the Cuban leader.

The Minister also noted the "sameness" of Russia and Cuba approaches to the issues of global and regional security. "Our countries are linked by their mutual interest in shaping a fair and polycentric world order based on equality, respect and respect for international law, with the leading role of the UN" - quoted by Tass Defense Minister of the Russian Federation.

The meeting also discussed the development of Russian-Cuban cooperation in the military-technical sphere.

Shoigu recalled the rich experience of training of Cuban personnel in Russian military academies. "We see in this area are good prospects of cooperation", - he said.

The head of the Russian Defense Ministry has invited Cuban military delegation to participate in scheduled for the current year international competitions Tank biathlon, international military games in the fourth conference on international security, as well as the international military-technical forum "Army 2015".

Head of State of Cuba Raul Castro, in turn, assured that the military delegations of Cuba necessarily take part in these activities.

In conclusion, the Russian minister thanked the Cuban leader for the warm and cordial reception accorded to the Russian military delegation. He noted that Cuba is a longtime friend of Russia, the symbol of freedom and independence in Latin America. "Withstand the more than half a century of blockade, Cuba continues firmly and consistently follow the path of protection of national sovereignty and the realization of the model of development" - leads TASS words Shoigu.

In addition, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry expressed the view that "today, the time-tested friendly relations between Russia and Cuba have acquired new dynamics." According to Sergei Shoigu, a long tradition of friendship of the peoples of Russia and Cuba - "it is a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation and coordination in the international arena."

Recall to travel to Cuba, Russian Defense Minister first visited Venezuela and Nicaragua.

In Venezuela, the head of the Russian defense ministry has agreed to the presence of representatives of the Russian military exercises of the country. In addition, the parties expressed their intention to expand the exchange of students of military schools. It was also stated that Venezuela will visit the Russian Navy ships.

In Nicaragua, Sergei Shoigu signed an agreement on a simplified procedure call Russian ships. A number of documents were also signed in the field of military-technical cooperation. In the main command the army minister opened the country's topographical center. Meanwhile, Russia and Nicaragua are planning to continue to work together on the development of military education