Broader military-technological ties will benefit Malaysia's defense potential - Russian minister
MOSCOW. July 11 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has confirmed the existence of agreements to boost military-technological cooperation between his country and Malaysia.
"Issues surrounding our military-technological cooperation were recently addressed at a session of the joint commission for defense cooperation. Quite concrete agreements were reached there. I am certain that they will help enhance Malaysia's defense potential and broaden our cooperation in this sphere," Lavrov said at a press conference after talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman in Moscow.
"Russia is interested in continuing this cooperation both in the form of deliveries of military-purpose products, many of which have already taken place, and as part of measures to arrange its maintenance and personnel training, which would allow Malaysian specialists to operate these products," the Russian minister said.
Lavrov said that, among other projects, he was speaking about the maintenance services for Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets that are provided by a center opened last year. A personnel training center appeared in Malaysia in 2011.
The Malaysian foreign minister, for his part said that "our defense cooperation started in 2009 and has been based mainly on weapons exports."
"Today we discussed our aspiration to broaden our contacts and possibly run educational programs for personnel. Our cooperation should not be restricted only by deliveries," he said.
"We would also like to cooperate in other areas, including acquiring equipment that is able to enhance stability in the world. We seek to broaden cooperation with Russia," Aman said.