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A senior Armenian lawmaker has described the partnership with NATO as one of the key pillars of the country’s security.
“We can’t ignore the global geopolitical changes that are creating new realities, new challenges, and a competitive agenda. In this context, I want to underscore the key role of the Armenia-NATO partnership,” said Andranik Kocharyan, MP, Head of the Defense and Security Committee of the Parliament and Chief of the Armenian Delegation to NATO PA.
He noted that Armenia-NATO relations have a history of over three decades, beginning in 1994 through the Partnership for Peace program, while the Individual Partnership Action Plan has been in place since 2006.
“Discussions are currently underway toward the establishment of a new document, the Individually Tailored Partnership Program,” Kocharyan said at the 108th Rose-Roth Seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan.
Armenia’s engagement with NATO includes reforms in defense and security systems, increased transparency, strengthening of civilian oversight, as well as participation in international peacekeeping missions.
“Our cooperation is based on universal values—democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law. It is not only about defense, but also a platform for systemic reforms that contribute to strengthening Armenia’s independence and institutional resilience.”
The MP warned that Armenia is facing hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the state and influencing public opinion.
“In the context of combating these threats, we attach importance to raising public awareness, improving digital literacy, promoting the media and civil society, and exchanging international experience in information security.”
Kocharyan emphasized that civilian oversight of defense and security is a crucial precondition for democratic stability.
The MP acknowledged that problems in transparency and accountability in the defense sector exist due to national security considerations but stressed that this cannot lead to a lack of accountability.