Armenia to Continue Supporting NATO’s Afghanistan Peace Mission

YEREVAN (Mediamax) — Armenia will continue supporting collective international efforts toward ensuring peace and security in Afghanistan.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stated this, addressing a speech at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of “Resolute Support” mission’s member states at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on December 1.

According to Edward Nalbandian, security threats not only in Afghanistan but other corners of the world show that the mission is not confined to definite geographical region.

“We mean the global challenges which require joint and concerted response. In this regard, Armenia started its participation in peacekeeping missions over a decade ago, beginning with Kosovo and then going to Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Mali”, said the Armenian FM.

He stated that in 2016, the Armenian contingent will continue its international commitment within “Resolute Support” mission on the current level.

“We are ready to take part in future “Long-Lasting Partnership” mission which will come to replace “Resolute Support”. We will also keep assisting in the large-scale peace-building in Afghanistan, boosting friendly relations and regional cooperation”, stated Edward Nalbandian.

The Armenian deployment in Afghanistan, which began in 2010, highlighted growing cooperation between NATO and the South Caucasus state heavily reliant on a military alliance with Russia.

Armenia also contributes around 40 troops to a NATO-led mission maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo. Another 60 or so Armenian soldiers are part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon.