The Armenian government made a decision at its Cabinet meeting Thursday on the appointment of a defense attaché to Armenia’s representation in the European Union (EU).

Accordingly, it is planned to appoint and accredit the defense attaché to Armenia’s mission to NATO concurrently as the country’s defense attaché in the EU as well as in Belgium.

The explanation of this decision states that the assistance provided to Armenia under the EU European Peace Facility, the launch of negotiations on the framework agreement for Armenia's participation in EU crisis management missions, and the significant expansion of the security and defense component in the new agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership have created favorable conditions for the further development of Armenia’s military cooperation with the EU.

The military cooperation launched with Belgium can also play a positive role in the development of Armenia's defense capability and resilience in the long term.

The aforesaid Armenian defense attaché shall be seated in Brussels, Belgium.

The adoption of this decision will create an opportunity for the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Armenia to work effectively in the EU through this defense attaché, will contribute to the further strengthening and development of institutional ties, as well as the expansion of opportunities for military and politico-military cooperation.

As a result of this decision, the maximum number of staff will remain unchanged, and the resulting expenses will be covered by the funding allocated to the Armenian MoD.