The annual Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) kicked off on Wednesday in presence of defense delegations from 80 countries.

The MCIS opened with a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by the country's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's speech. 

Then, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the opening ceremony calling the event a major step forward to reaching sustainable peace.

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami, UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Francois, have attended the conference.

In addition to defense ministers and military experts, representatives of international organizations and NGOs advocating international peace and security are present in the conference.

The topics of the MCIS include peace-keeping issues, military cooperation, regional security in Asia, Africa and Latin America.