Shoygu: 'It's Important for Armenia's Participation in CSTO Joint Exercises'

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has emphasized the importance of Armenia's participation in the CSTO's joint operational and combat readiness activities.

During a press conference on May 22, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia has yet to make a decision regarding its participation in CSTO exercises.

'Armenia is a member of our organization, our ally. We are interested in establishing peace and do everything possible for the stabilization of the situation in the South Caucasus. I would especially like to note the importance of the Armenian side's participation in joint operational and combat readiness activities within the framework of the CSTO,' said Shoigu.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Ministry of Defense had informed the CSTO that conducting the 'Indestructible Brotherhood-2023' exercises of the CSTO peacekeeping forces in Armenia is inappropriate. The exercises, which were originally scheduled to be held in Armenia, will now take place in Kyrgyzstan.

It is worth mentioning that a meeting of the Defense Ministers of CSTO member states is taking place in Minsk. Instead of Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, the representative of the Armenian Ministry of Defense at the organization's joint staff is Artak Tonoyan.