YEREVAN. – Armenian peacekeepers are ready to stay in Afghanistan as instructors after withdrawal of peacekeeping forces from the country, Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said.

The Minister noted that there is a corresponding program which, along with the withdrawal of the peacekeeping forces, provides for work of instructors to improve the capacity of Afghanistan armed forces and civil society.

“Part of the Armenian soldiers expressed their willingness to continue to serve in Afghanistan in this capacity,” Ohanyan told reporters.

Armenia has been participating in peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan since 2010. Armenian contingent (126 peacekeepers ) are acting as a part of the German northern regional command, serving in Mazar-e-Sharif and Kunduz airport .