The Armenian armed forces are the main component of the security system of the country at the present military and political situation in the South Caucasus. Armenian defense minister Serge Sargsian stated it at "Prospects and principles of cooperation: Armenia-Russia, Armenia-NATO" seminar in Yerevan. At the same time he disagreed with the statements on the necessity "of speeding up accession to NATO." The past ten years have confirmed the efficiency of the balanced approach to the current geopolitical processes and the viability of the complementary policy followed by Yerevan, he said. "We consider it necessary to expand the contacts and programs with the North-Atlantic Alliance. But do not forget that a few days ago in the course of the Armenian defense ministry delegation visit to Moscow the matter also concerned the necessity of strengthening the Russian presence in Armenia. Thus, we simultaneously continue our cooperation with our strategic partner - Russia, as well as with NATO structures," - he said. The Armenian defense minister does not think that Georgia and Azerbaijan have more cooperation programs with NATO than Armenia. "Simply, our neighbors' aspiration for cooperation is stronger," - Serge Sargsian explained.