Russian, German Defense Ministers Talked on Cooperation Prospects

09.10.2012 During formal visit to Berlin, Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov discussed development prospects of bilateral military cooperation with his German counterpart Thomas de Maizière.

The ministers exchanged views on the most critical issues of regional and global security, including problematics of missile defenses in Europe, the situation in Afghanistan, in the Middle East, and in the North Africa.

The parties satisfyingly noted progress in cooperation between Russian and German armed forces.

Anatoly Serdiukov stressed that "Russia places high emphasis on experience exchange in the matters of logistic support, commemorative activities, military education, medical maintenance and other social-related issues".

The ministers agreed to arrange the bilateral military cooperation plan for 2013 by the end of Nov 2012. Russian defense minister pointed out successful cooperation between land forces and expressed hope for such development in navies and special-task forces.

At the talks, ministers made much of military technical cooperation. "Russian-German military technical cooperation has considerable potential", Serdiukov said. He informed German partners on progress in joint construction of Combat Training Center for Russian Armed Forces; the center is being constructed under German technologies in Mulino, Russia and will be completed in 2014.

The head of Russian defense ministry emphasized: "We are ready to cooperate with German partners in other areas as well, including medical equipment and disposal of overaged munitions". The ministers accentuated significance of well-coordinated efforts to counter possible negative consequences after withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan.

The parties exchanged viewpoints on possible ways to settle Syrian political crisis.

In addition, the ministers discussed cooperation within the NATO-Russia Council and agreed to continue and develop the dialogue.

Russian defense minister stressed the need to coordinate efforts in order to remove obstacles for mutually advantageous cooperation. In particular, Anatoly Serdiukov drew his counterpart's attention to Russia's concerns over plans to deploy American missile defenses in Europe.