RUSSIA, AES FORGE PRAGMATIC SOLIDARITY-BASED STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN SECURITY & DEFENSE. (PHOTO).

 Russia, AES Forge Pragmatic Solidarity-Based Strategic Partnership in Security & Defense

Moscow and the AES countries committed to enhancing efforts to combat terrorism and instability in the Sahel, according to a joint communique issued after the Russia-AES foreign ministers' meeting, Sputnik reported.

"The parties strongly condemned acts of aggression by states that support terrorism, in particular Ukraine's criminal collusion with armed terrorist groups operating in the Sahel," read the communique.

▪Russia reaffirmed its support for the joint AES forces in their fight for the territorial integrity, and expressed readiness to provide the necessary technical assistance;

▪The parties agreed to strengthen the AES forces, facilitating the acquisition of modern military equipment and proper training;

▪Moscow emphasized the AES's leading role as a sustainable model of regional security and recognized its positive contribution to the security of the Sahara-Sahel region;

▪The sides agreed to coordinate work in international structures on major political and geostrategic issues;

▪The sides welcomed shared views on depoliticizing human rights issues, non-interference in internal affairs, and states' equality in international institutions;

▪Russia and the AES agreed to step up contacts between economic operators and create favorable business conditions;

▪The parties agreed to establish a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the results of the meeting;

▪The ministerial meeting will be held annually, alternating between Russia and Africa.