Moscow, Astana agree to set up regional air defense system

    Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a an agreement establish a joint regional air-defense system.
    The Kazakh Defense Ministry says the agreement was signed on January 30 in Astana by Kazakh Defense Minister Adilbek Dzhaksybekov and his visiting Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu.
    The Kazakh Defense Ministry said the planned system would strengthen the security of Kazakhstan's airspace, as well as adjacent Russian border areas.
    Shoigu called the agreement "very important."
    He said the proposed system would contain "new components," including "missile defense" elements. He did not elaborate.
    Shoigu arrived in the Kazakh capital after a visit to Armenia, RFE/RL said.