YEREVAN. – The First Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, Davit Tonoyan, on Friday met with Ambassador Marriët Schuurman, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.

The interlocutors discussed the Armenia MOD activities toward the fulfillment of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women and peace and security.

They also exchanged views on the avenues for ensuring equal opportunities for, and protecting the rights of, men and women in the Armenian armed forces, and making the respective cooperation with NATO grow deeper, the MOD press service informed.

Tonoyan noted that the Armenia MOD stands ready to present its respective track-record to the partner countries. He added that the MOD’s step-by-step policy in this regard is justified. 

It was stressed that the chances of including female soldiers in the Armenian military units engaged in international peacekeeping missions will be considered, too. 

Ambassador Schuurman, for her part, noted that the effectiveness of the Armenian MOD’s steps is visible, and its joint work with the international organizations likewise contributes to this fact. 

Schuurman also met with the female soldiers serving at the MOD.

Following this talk, the delegation visited the MOD Military Institute Named After Vazgen Sargsyan, where it met with the Institute administration and the female cadets studying at Armenia’s military institutions.