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YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 3, ARMENPRESS. Despite Armenia and Georgia have chosen different political and military platforms, however the two countries have high level of cooperation. Expert in Georgian studies Joni Melikyan mentioned about this during the interview with “Armenpress”, also referring to the visit of Georgian Defense Minister to Armenia. Taking into consideration that during the last 2 years he was the 3rd Defense Minister the visit first of all was informative.
“We are member of CSTO, Georgia is seeking to become a NATO member, however, we see that there are mutual approaches, over which the two countries can deepen military relations. Particularly study issues, peacekeeping operations, military drills etc. Why not, to move a step forward. By the way, a proposal to establish joint peacekeeping troops was made some time ago. This is an attempt to deepen relations between the two countries”, the expert in Georgian studies said.
Joni Melikyan reminded that NATO-Georgia mutual study centre opened last year. Soldiers from NATO-member countries, as well as from the countries which are in partnership with NATO can visit the centre. A number of Military drills are planned to be conducted in that base. Militaries from Armenia can also participate.
“As we see, the two countries seize the opportunities, and it is a very reasonable step. During such visits issues concerning the regional security and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are being discussed. This means, that Georgian Defense Minister can hear our approaches on Karabakh conflict from the official Yerevan”, Joni Melikyan said.
According to the Georgian studies expert, besides the military component, this visit had also a political part. Parliamentary elections are expected this year in Georgia, therefore they are somehow trying to lead the voices of Armenian community in favor of the ruling coalition. He considered interesting that Georgian Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli visited Armenian Church and congratulated the members of the Armenian Community.
The delegation led by Minister of Defense of the Republic of Georgia Tina Khidasheli has arrived in Armenia on an Official Visit.