ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN: ARMENIA IS READY TO EXPAND COOPERATION WITH NATO

PanARMENIAN.Net - YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. "Armenia is ready to expand cooperation with NATO and to participate in "Partnership for Peace" program", President of Armenia Robert Kocharian said at the meeting with NATO Military Committee Chairman, Admiral Guido Venturoni.

As Mediamax was informed in the press office of the President of Armenia, participants of the meeting discussed wide range of questions concerning cooperation between Armenia and NATO. The parties stressed the importance of Armenia's participation in programs, which are being realized within the framework of NATO and Euro-Atlantic cooperation. Robert Kocharian expressed confidence that the visit of the top military delegation of NATO to Armenia and the meetings held will become another step on the path of developing mutual cooperation with this organization.

Mr. Venturoni noted that NATO gives much importance to cooperation with Southern Caucasian states.

The interlocutors expressed the opinion that the region possesses great resources and perspectives for development. Touching upon Armenian-Russian military cooperation, Armenian President noted that military presence of Russia in Armenia is stipulated by regional problems. First of all it is a deterrent, necessary for preserving stability in the region. --0--