Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia Celeste Wallander on June 27 to discuss defense cooperation between Armenia and the United States.

As the press office of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported, the parties were pleased to note that Armenian-U.S. military cooperation develops successfully both in bilateral format and within the framework of NATO.

Emphasizing importance of Armenia’s engagement in international peacekeeping operations Ms. Wallander praised the Armenian peacekeepers’ mission in Afghanistan as well as Armenia’s willingness to participate in training of Afghan security forces staff.

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary assured that U.S. will continue to support Armenia’s efforts for reformation of the country’s defense sector.

The parties exchanged views on regional problems, particularly the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Minister Ohanyan noted that Armenia stand for peaceful settlement of the conflict, strictly observing the ceasefire. “Armenia is not interested in escalation of the situation at the contact line,” he emphasized.

The Minister also expressed concern with regard to Azerbaijan’s reluctance to observe the ceasefire.