At a meeting today with U.S. Deputy Assistant to the Secretary Of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, Celeste Wallander, RoA President Serzh Sargsyan said that his government was interested in deepening relations with Washington, since such a policy of cooperation not only stems from Armenia’s interests but that it also could have a positive contribution to regional security and stability. Deputy Assistant Wallender thanked Armenia for its continuing participation in the international peacekeeping force, noting that the country was not only contributing to the global effort to ensure safety but that Armenia’s armed forces were benefitting as a result in terms of combat readiness. The two also touched on regional issues, including the current stage of the Karabakh conflict settlement. Celeste Wallender reemphasized Washington’s opposition to the use of force to resolve the conflict. It is envisaged that further cooperation between the two nations will also include U.S. in reforming and modernizing Armenia’s armed forces.