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March 29
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YEREVAN. – NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai confirmed the Alliance’s readiness to further assist the reforms that Armenia is carrying out in defense sector.

The NATO official noted Armenia’s contribution in Afghanistan and Kosovo which is clear demonstration that Armenia is a contributor to international security.

During the meetings in Armenia, James Appathurai expressed support for continued and deeper cooperation between NATO and Armenia when it comes to reforms.

“NATO is supporting Armenia as it develops its new defense strategies for helping Armenia modernize its defense education structures. We are working with Armenia to fight corruption, in particular when it comes to procurements. We are doing a lot and can do more,” he said, adding that it is an important period till the October 2014 summit.

The Alliance is looking towards the future of NATO after the end of ISAF mission in Afghanistan. He stressed that NATO has recently deepened cooperation with its partners.

“We want deepen it in future and we want to discuss with Armenia and other partners how they see cooperation in the future. What I heard from my Armenian interlocutors, starting from the president, was clear. First there is no contradiction between good partnership with Armenia and NATO and Armenia’s participation in the CSTO or its decision on Customs Union, and we share this view,” he added.

Secondly, Armenia intends to continue its contribution to peacekeeping mission, for example in Afghanistan, which is welcomed by the Alliance.

“Armenia would welcome closer cooperation to support its own defense reform and priorities, and we will give that,” he added.

James Appathurai called the visit “encouraging” and expressed confidence that political relations with Armenia will continue and strengthen.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

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