NATO delegation holds meetings at Armenia’s Ministry of Defense.

A delegation led by Major General Carlos Branco, Director, Cooperation and Regional Security Division of the International Military Staff, has been hosted at Armenia’s Ministry of Defense since Jan. 23.

The main aim of the visit is to discuss new initiatives to develop NATO’s military cooperation with its partner countries.

At its meetings with Armenia’s military official, the NATO delegation discussed issues related to priorities of military cooperation and to relevant documents.

Major General Carlos Branco held a meeting with Chief of the Joint Staff, RA Armed Forces, Colonel-General Yuri Khachaturov. The sides discussed Armenian peacekeepers’ involvement in international military cooperation and security operations.

On NATO’s behalf, Major General Carlos Branco expressed gratitude to Armenia for its contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) – Afghanistan.

At a meeting with the NATO delegation, Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan briefed the delegation on Armenia’s progress in reforming its defense system. Minister Ohanyan also informed the NATO delegation of the current work and of the needs for NATO assistance in some areas.

The sides also exchanged views on the regional security problems.

Major-General Carlos Branco paid a get-to-know visit to peacekeeping brigade of the RA Ministry of Defense, Vazgen Sargsyan military school, and delivered a lecture on the cooperation under the Partnership for Peace program.