Russia and Kazakhstan signed a deal on Wednesday, Jan 30, to create a joint regional air defense system, the Kazakh Defense Ministry said.

“This document will create a platform to secure the defense of Kazakhstan’s airspace and Russia’s adjacent territory,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement, according to RIA Novosti.

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who is in Kazakhstan on an official visit, and his Kazakhstan counterpart Defense Minister Adilbek Dzhaksybekov signed the agreement in the capital Astana.

Russia has previously had such an air defense agreement only with Belarus, but has planned to sign a similar one with Armenia, although the two countries do not share a border.

The two defense ministers also discussed bilateral military issues including Russia’s proving grounds in Kazakhstan and military education.