MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russia and Syria are planning to sign an intergovernmental agreement on training minors from the Arab republic in the Russian Defense Ministry’s educational institutions. A decree to this effect issued by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has been posted on the official legal information website.

"To approve the draft agreement between the government of Russia and the government of Syria on training juvenile citizens from Syria in the Russian Defense Ministry’s general educational institutions implementing general and secondary education training programs <…> aimed at preparing underage students for military or other public service," the document reads.

The training of young Syrian students is due to be free of charge, with all costs paid for by Russia. However, students will be admitted to the Defense Ministry’s schools on a competitive basis. The selection of candidates will be the purview of the Syrians.

Medvedev also issued an order to draw up and sign a similar agreement with South Ossetia.