WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon to discuss bilateral defense cooperation.
The meeting began with an official welcoming ceremony, during which the national anthems of Armenia and the United States were performed, the Ministry of Defense announced in a press release.
During the meeting, Minister Papikyan expressed his gratitude to Secretary Austin for the warm reception and detailed the ongoing reforms within the Armenian Armed Forces. He highlighted priority areas of collaboration aimed at transforming Armenia’s military and enhancing interoperability with the U.S. Armed Forces. These priorities include military education, combat training, joint exercises for international peacekeeping missions, development of professional NCO and instructor corps, and the establishment of educational and training capabilities for the Armenian Armed Forces.
Welcoming the Armenian Defense Minister, Secretary Austin underscored the historic significance of the visit.
The two leaders discussed issues pertaining to Armenia-U.S. defense cooperation. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ support for Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and prosperity, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two countries. He also reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting the ongoing reforms in Armenia’s Armed Forces.
The meeting also addressed broader international and regional security concerns.
Minister Papikyan reaffirmed Armenia’s dedication to achieving lasting peace in the region. Secretary Austin expressed the United States’ support for this goal, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration to promote stability and security.
