Russian defense minister says Russia has assisted Tajikistan in training five tactical groups intended, first of all, for covering Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan.
“Training of five tactical groups (four battalions and one company) of the Tajik Armed Forces intended for covering Tajikistan’s border with neighboring Afghanistan has been completed this year,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted in Dushanbe today at a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo, according to Russia’s Sputnik news agency.
Russian minister noted Russian armament and military materiel having been supplied to Tajikistan for the purpose of strengthening the Tajik Armed Forces.
“Tajik cadets are studying at Russian higher military schools free of charge," Shoigu said.
According to him, more than 560 Tajik servicemen are currently studying in Russia.
Against the backcloth of negative development of the situation in Afghanistan, Russian defense minister proposed to speed up the elaboration of the Plan of Use of Combined Group of Armed Forces of Russia and Tajikistan, Sputnik reports.
Shoigu also proposed to sign a cooperation plan between the defense ministries of the two countries for 2018.
