Early next year Armenia will dispatch 30 servicemen to Afghanistan, Robert Simmons, NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, stated in Yerevan. He made high appraisal of Armenia’s participation in peace-making operations, particularly in Kosovo.

Simmons pointed out the efficient Armenia-NATO cooperation. He said that the aim of his visits to Yerevan is to find out Armenia’s position on regional problems, NATO’s activities and international security.

Simmons pointed out NATO’s close cooperation with the RA National Security Service in ensuring border security and assisting frontier troops. Specifically, it is technical assistance to frontier troops at the Armenian-Georgian border, he said. As regards the Armenian-Turkish border, NATO is not launching any activities there.

Regular incidents between Armenian and Georgian frontier guards have recently been registered.

NATO is also closely cooperating with the RA Ministry of Defense in implementing reforms – the involvement of civil servants in the system, elaboration of documents, etc.. NATO is also closely cooperating with the RA Ministry of Emergencies. Next year NTO will hold an emergency planning training in Armenia.

Simmons also expressed hope for Armenia’s participation in the elaboration of NATO’s new strategy. A large meeting will soon be held in Oslo, Norway, to discuss the issue, and NATO hopes for Armenia’s participation in it, Simmons said.