MOSCOW

Russian armed forces arrived in Mongolia on Sunday to participate in the joint anti-terror exercises Selenga-2024, the Defense Ministry said.

"A solemn meeting of Russian servicemen took place at the Bayantumen railway station near Choibalsan. According to an ancient custom, the guests were offered national dishes," the ministry said in a statement.

After the welcome ceremony, Russian servicemen marched to the Choibalsan training ground, where further training and the active phase of the exercise will take place till Aug. 26.

The Selenga joint drills have been held annually since 2008. Until 2011, it was called Darkhan, Mongolian for "builder."

In 2011, the maneuvers were renamed after the river originating in Mongolia, flowing through the territory of the Russian region of Buryatia, into Lake Baikal.