Russian and Ukrainian Defence Ministries to Share Expertise

Official talks have ended in Saint Petersburg between Russian and Ukrainian Defence Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Vladimir Shkidchenko. As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, Mr Ivanov told journalists that a protocol had been signed at the end of the talks.

Mr Ivanov said that during talks they had reached a mutual understanding about the future development of military cooperation between the two ministries, both in terms of combat training and the exchange of expertise. Issues concerning national security were also discussed. Mr Ivanov emphasised 'the Ukraine is our strategic partner and we will develop our relations in view of this.'