Armenia-US military cooperation is strong – Defense Minister Ohanyan receives Congressman Chabot

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan received on August 15 US Congressman Steve Chabot, who is currently in Armenia on a regional visit. US Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Richard Mills was also present at the meeting.

The Defense Ministry told ARMENPRESS Minister Ohanyan greeted the guests and appreciated the level of cooperation with the American side in the defense sector and noted that the cooperation is mainly centered on concrete projects which support development of the interoperable capabilities of the Armenian Armed Forces.

The sides touched upon the main projects within the framework of Armenian-American defense cooperation – development of interoperable peacekeeping capabilities, the new commitments assumed by Armenia in this regard, the formation of a professional sergeant staff, the process of reviewing the Defense strategy and other issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Richard Mills said the meeting of Congressman Chabot with the leadership of the Armenian Armed Forces was very important, taking into consideration the increasing role of Armenia in the peacekeeping operations of NATO and UN.

The Ambassador added that the Armenian-American strong military relations are evidenced by the recent visit of Kansas National Guard medical personnel to hospitals in Gavar and Hrazdan, as well as the visit of Armenian servicemen to Kansas, and there is mutual desire to strengthen these ties even more.

According to the Ambassador, it is precisely these kinds of relations – like the Armenian-American – which are the key for stable freedom and future prosperity.

Regional security and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process were also discussed.

Defense Minister Ohanyan appreciated the role of OSCE Minsk Group and the co-chairing countries in the NKR conflict negotiations settlement process and noted that the Armenian side attaches great importance the realization of agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg – increasing monitoring and introduction of investigation mechanisms, which will have a preventive role and will define a circle of accountability.