"Despite positive changes that took place in the military-political situation, the world has not got rid of instability, wars and armed conflicts," Ivanov said at a function dedicated to the Victory Day held in the State Kremlin Palace Saturday (Victory Day is celebrated in Russia on May 9).
The function was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, acting Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and other government members.
Only efficient Armed Forces can guarantee realization of Russia's foreign policy goals, Ivanov noted.
"Consecutively speaking for minimization of the significance of military force while resolving international problems, we understand it clear - only the existence of highly professional and efficient Armed Forces, whose core now is represented by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Great Patriotic War soldiers, can fully and unconditionally guarantee the realization of Russia's foreign policy goals, and reliably ensure the country's security," Ivanov said.
"Multiplying the centuries-old traditions of the Russian army, they [servicemen] continue to persistently improve their military skill, and stand fast at the guard of the Motherland's security," said the acting defense minister.
"Evidence of this are the courage and firmness of servicemen, which they display during the fight against the still glowing hotbeds of international terrorism in the North Caucasus, while performing peacekeeping missions, during exercises, in marches and on combat duty," Ivanov emphasized.
"In these conditions, the maintenance of defense capability at a proper level is of course a task of primary importance," he said.
The acting defense minister said that on the eve of the Victory Day, Russians are turning to the glorious past of their country again. "Only by remembering about it, learning its wise lessons, will we be able to keep moving, confidently and steadily, along the path of successful social and economic development and the strengthening of the state's might," Ivanov said.
"It is within our power to do so that the present and future of Russia and its armed forces would be worthy of the country's heroic history, into the chronicle of which the feats of the makers of the Great Victory of 1941-1945 are entered with golden letters," said the acting defense minister.
Addressing the veterans, the head of the defense ministry said: "Humankind does not know another such example of self-sacrifice and truly mass heroism displayed by our compatriots in the years of World War II.
"The nation's destiny was at stake: whether it will be free, enslaved or totally destroyed, whether it will have a statehood and culture or be deprived of everything and sink into oblivion," Ivanov said.
"The Russian people withstood this most violent struggle and together with the brotherly nations of the Soviet Union became the main force that routed fascism, carried out a great mission of liberation, and fulfilled its international duty with honor," emphasized the acting defense minister.
Sergei Ivanov congratulated Russians on the Victory Day, and wished them good health, happiness, and successes in military activities and peaceful labor.
