Kazakhstan, Astana, July 9 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
The opening ceremony of the joint Kazakh-Russian 'Aldaspan-2012' exercises has been today held at the Koktal site in the south-eastern part of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Ministry of Defence said today.
"The divisions of airborne troops of the Kazakh Armed Forces, as well as units and divisions of the regional command 'South' are attending the tactical command post exercises," the ministry spokesperson said. "A group from the Central Military District of the Russian Federation is also involved in the exercises."
Chief of Kazakh land forces, Lieutenant-General Murat Maykeev said that 'Aldaspan' is being conducted in accordance with the plan of joint activities of operational and combat training of the Kazakh and Russian Armed Forces.
"We have one task in all exercises," he said. "It is to strengthen military cooperation to preserve peace and stability in our region."
Head of the Russian military delegation, deputy commander of 41st Army of the Russian Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel Kornelia Babia said these exercises help to improve combat skills and develop interoperability.
The exercises have been underway for the third day having been launched on July 7 and comprise of three stages. Two tactical episodes will be implemented during the final phase.
"Participants of the exercises will create a system of posts in bridges, mountain passes and the nodes of highways," the ministry said.
The active phase of 'Aldaspan-2012' exercises is scheduled for July 12 when Kazakh Defence Minister Adilbek Dzhaksybekov will arrive to monitor the implementation of the tactical section on the Koktal site.