YEREVAN. – Armenia cannot force a country-ally not to reach a deal which is in its interests, head of the Armenian National Security Council said, commenting on Russian weapons sale to Azerbaijan.

“We have bilateral relations with Russia. We are developing strategic cooperation. The best equipment is imported within the framework of cooperation,” Arthur Baghdasaryan said.

However, he noted that Azerbaijan is seriously engaged in developing defense industry. “Just as Armenia does,” he added.

Arthur Baghdasaryan said that the Security Council of Armenia for the first time approved a state program for armaments and technology and the country imported modern weapons and equipment.

“There is no cause for concern. You just have to remember that we live in a complicated region,” he said.

He recalled the documents recently signed with Russia and consisting of many items aimed at improving the defense capabilities of Armenia.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am