Russia Ready to Boost Defense Cooperation With Angola

Russia's defense minister said that Angola could guarantee security in Central Africa, and Moscow was ready to help the country's armed forces improve their skills.

KUBINKA, (Sputnik) — Russia is ready to further enhance its bilateral ties with Angola, and boost the defense cooperation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Shoigu met with his Angolan counterpart Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco to discuss military and technical cooperation between the two countries.

"We, certainly, welcome your [Angolan] leadership's willingness to further enhance the bilateral multifaceted cooperation, including cooperation in defense sector. We are ready to contribute to this in every way," Shoigu said at a meeting with Goncalves Lourenco.

The Armed Forces of Angola could guarantee security in Central Africa, and Russia is ready to help them improve professional skills, the Russian minister said.

Angola is one of the participants of Russia’s 2015 International Army Games held on August 1-15, 2015. The competition brings together over 2,000 team members from 17 countries. The contests will be held in 11 different locations across Russia.

Shoigu said that the Angolan tank crewmen who arrived in Russia to participate in the International Army Games "will gain good experience."

Angola is one of Russia's key partners in the African region. The two countries have a common stance on a number of global issues, including the Syrian conflict.

In 2013, Russia agreed to supply arms and military equipment to Angola worth $1 billion, including spare parts for the Soviet-made weaponry, light weapons, ammunition, tanks, artillery and multi-purpose helicopters.