RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan today met with Celeste Wallander, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Eurasia and the Ukraine. Issues related to the cooperation between the defense agencies of the two countries were discussed.

The parties noted that Armenian-American cooperation in the defense sphere was developing on track, both in bilaterally and within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Stressing the importance of Armenia's participation in international peacekeeping activities, Celeste Wallander had high praise for the Armenian peacekeepers' mission in Afghanistan, as well as Armenia's willingness to participate in the training of Afghan security forces.

Mr. Wallander gave assurances that the United States would continue supporting Armenia's efforts towards the implementation of reforms in the fields of peacekeeping, military education and defense.
During the meeting the parties exchanged views on issues of regional security, particularly the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Armenian Defense Minister noted that, given the country's commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh issue, Armenia strictly observes the ceasefire regime.

At the same time, Seyran Ohanyan expressed concern that Azerbaijan fails to demonstrate willingness to maintain the ceasefire regime, which results in numerous violations of the truce.