Russian deputy FM: Western agenda in South Caucasus contradicts regional interests

The West's agenda in the South Caucasus does not always correspond to the interests of the region's countries.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin made the remarks, commenting on strengthening military cooperation between Paris and Yerevan, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that Armenia had signed a contract with France to purchase French CAESAR self-propelled artillery units, which Paris supplies to Kyiv. Earlier, the Armenian Defence Ministry said it had signed a cooperation agreement with the French-German defence concern KNDS. The details of the contract were not disclosed.

"Today, Western countries are coming to the South Caucasus with an openly confrontational anti-Russian agenda. We believe that regional security can be most effectively ensured by the efforts of the region's states. We are in favour of regional responsibility both in terms of security and economic integration in the South Caucasus and other regions," Galuzin said.

Armenia started receiving military equipment from Paris in 2023. The first batch of armoured vehicles for the Armenian army was delivered to Armenia via Georgia. In late October 2023, French Defence Minister Lecornu said that Paris intends to sell three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems to Armenia, and a letter of intent is planned to be signed with missile systems manufacturer MBDA regarding Mistral MANPADS.