OREANDA-NEWS. September 12, 2008. The President said that Russia will give priority to upgrading the equipment of its Armed Forces and improving their levels of training. He noted that, in particular, these decisions were influenced by concerns that have arisen in recent times including events in the Caucasus: Georgia’s aggression and its continuing militarization.

The head of state said that Russia will conduct joint exercises with partners in the CSTO and with countries that want to expand their military and military-technical cooperation.

Recalling that today is the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York, Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Russia is ready to cooperate fully with the United States and other nations in combating terrorism, and referred to this as a top priority.