On November 1, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan met with the newly –appointed U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister expressed hope for the latter to use his experience as Permanent U.S. Representative to NATO in contributing to development of Armenia-U.S. ties, specifically in defense sector.

Mr. Ohanyan further briefed the Ambassador on reforms initiated in Armenia's armed forces.

The Ambassador, in turn, noted Armenia's contribution to peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. According to Mr. Heffern, the U.S. welcomes Armenia-initiated reforms, always ready to extend necessary assistance both on sidelines of bilateral ties as well as in NATO, UN and other international organisations' formats, Defense Ministry press service reported.