Sergey Shoigu speaks about Kavkaz-2016 exercises

The strategic command and staff exercises Kavkaz-2016 will show the Russian Armed Forces’ capabilities for protecting national interests in the south-western direction, Defense Minister, General of the Army Sergey Shoigu, said today.

 "It is important to assess our capabilities for protecting national interests in the south-western strategic direction amid the uneasy international military and political situation," RIA Novosti cited the minister as saying. According to him, "troops and forces should practice combat cohesion and effective actions in the mountainous terrain, considering the growth of terrorist threats in the region." 

"This year it is necessary to continue developing military cooperation with our allies and partners, first of all, within the Collective Security Treaty Organization," Sergey Shoigu noted.