Minister: Armenia, US strengthen defence ties with new Strategic Cooperation Charter

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has said that the Strategic Cooperation Charter signed with the US lays the foundation for deeper engagement with the Pentagon.

Papikyan made this statement during a press conference in Yerevan, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The signing of this charter will serve as the basis for more profound and institutional cooperation with the US, and we intend to make the most of this opportunity," he emphasised.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a strategic partnership agreement between the two countries in Washington during Mirzoyan's working visit to the US.

Blinken called the signing of the document a significant cornerstone achievement in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He noted that the Strategic Partnership Commission will facilitate the expansion of cooperation in several areas, including economy, defence, security, and democracy.

Blinken emphasised that this document will serve as the foundation for future bilateral relations based on common interests. 

He added that, at the moment, the two countries were shifting the negotiations to the area of peaceful nuclear security and nuclear energy.

Blinken emphasised that the US intends to strengthen the protection of the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia within its internationally recognized borders.

He expressed confidence that the document would contribute to the creation of a more resilient, peaceful, secure, and independent South Caucasus. 

For his part, Mirzoyan highlighted that the strategic partnership charter with the US lays a solid foundation for cooperation between the two countries. 

He noted that the document covers many areas, including strengthening economic and energy ties, communication, deepening cooperation in defence and security, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting justice and the rule of law, developing innovation and high technologies, as well as expanding people-to-people contacts. 

The minister also announced that Yerevan intends to join The Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS (the terrorist group ISIS, banned in Russia).

He expressed gratitude to Washington for its steadfast support of Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as for its contribution to achieving a stable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. 

Mirzoyan said that let this charter stand as proof of the deepening strategic relationship between Armenia and the US, and as a roadmap for a future filled with common achievements.

By Naila Huseynova