Armenia, Georgia exchange views on regional security

Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan has discussed prospects for defence cooperation with Georgian Ambassador to Armenia Giorgi Sharvashidze and Military Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Teimuraz Maisuradze.

"Papikyan congratulated the attaché on his appointment and wished him success in strengthening cooperation between the defence ministries of the two countries. During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on regional security issues and the international agenda," Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Earlier, Papikyan met with French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies.

Matters related to the current state and future cooperation programmes between two countries in the defence sector were discussed. 

"During the meeting, matters related to the current state and future cooperation programmes between Armenia and France in the defence sector were discussed, particularly the reforms underway in the Armenian Armed Forces and France's involvement in these reforms," the message said.

In June, France and Armenia entered into an agreement for the supply of Caesar self-propelled howitzers, equipped with 155-millimetre, 52-calibre cannons, capable of firing advanced projectiles over a range of more than 50 kilometres. 

Both parties confirmed that the contract involves the delivery of 36 howitzers over the next 15 months, with French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu hailing it as a “significant new step” in the military relationship between France and Armenia.

By Naila Huseynova