U.S. says ready to continue supporting Armenian army reforms

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is ready to continue supporting the reforms of the Armenian Armed Forces, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said Thursday, December 5 as he hosted Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan at the Pentagon, according to a statement from both sides.

The two leaders met to discuss the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Armenia, which includes a longstanding partnership between Armenia's Defense Ministry and the Kansas National Guard.

"Your visit is historic," Austin said as he welcomed his counterpart. "Armenia extended its hand to the United States and I'm proud to host you here today."

He added that the U.S. supports a sovereign, independent and prosperous Armenia and that relationship between the two nations continues to grow closer, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Austin highlighted the Kansas National Guard's role in helping Armenia advance its defense reform agenda.

This summer, the U.S. and Armenia completed the second iteration of Exercise Eagle Partner, a bilateral exercise aimed at bolstering interoperability and readiness between the two countries during peacekeeping operations. The first iteration of the exercise was held in 2023.

The secretary also noted that, over the past two years, the U.S. has provided Armenia with key security assistance used for armored ambulances, a cybersecurity operations center and a national training center.

Austin added that the U.S. plans to sustain the momentum in strengthening the relationship.

He also emphasized the United States support for peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

"We're building on a strong foundation," he said. "Our troops served shoulder to shoulder during the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and we continue to work together in the NATO Kosovo force.

"It is our first meeting, and we have a full agenda," Austin said. "I look forward to hearing about your vision for Armenia's armed forces, and about the prospects for peace in the South Caucasus."