Russia, UK to discuss military cooperation potentialMarch 13, 2013 - 10:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will meet Wednesday, March 13 with British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond to discuss the areas of potential military cooperation between the two countries, the Russian Defense Ministry said, according to RIA Novosti. “The sides will discuss the current state and prospects of Russian-British military cooperation and exchange views on the military-political situation in some parts of the world,” a ministry’s spokesman said. The meeting is part of the agenda of a new “strategic dialogue” in a “2+2” format involving Russian foreign and defense ministers and their British counterparts. Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to launch this initiative last year following a gradual improvement in bilateral relations which have soured in a series of bitter rows over various sticky issues, including the murder in London of Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia recalls Belarus envoy for consultations Armenian Ambassador to Belarus has been called to Yerevan for consultations, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry reveals. Armenia denies Azerbaijan's ceasefire accusations The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenia will leave Russian-led military bloc, says Pashinyan Armenia will leave the Russian-led Collective Security Organization, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, without giving any dates. EU encourages Armenia to prioritize strategic projects The EU has encouraged Armenia to prioritize strategic projects, according to a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry. |