Sergei Shoigu: Army Games are a key to trust between armies

The Russian Defence Minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu, opening the First International Military Games, stressed that the competition will help to build trust between the armies of different countries.

"It is gratifying that people with arms, in  formidable military vehicles, meet here on hospitable Russian land, that at the end of the fighting they shake hands with a smile and rejoice in the successes of their competitors. I am sure this is the best way to strengthen trust between the armed forces of our countries," Shoigu said at the opening ceremony of the Games.

"For two weeks we will observe the intense struggle of tankers, pilots, paratroopers, marines, artillery, reconnaissance and military personnel of other specialties," Tass quotes him as saying. The minister recalled that a year ago the international competitions were held only in the tank biathlon and aviadarts spheres.