Armenia-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation Not Directed Against Third Countries, Mnatsakanyan

The military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Russia is not directed against third countries and cannot be limited in any way, stated Armenia's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in an interview with Interfax.

“Armenia is a responsible participant in regional security. Our military-technical cooperation is not aimed against any third countries,” Mnatsakanyan said.

“Our cooperation in the military-technical field is based on mutual security interests and is carried out based on agreements, arrangements, and working programs existing between Russia and Armenia,” he noted, emphasizing that “Russia does not disrupt the balance in the region.”

According to the Armenian Foreign Minister, military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Russia is based on allied interaction. “That is to say, there can be no question of restrictions here,” Mnatsakanyan declared.

In response to a question about whether he is concerned about Russia's military-technical cooperation with Azerbaijan, the minister said, “The military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Russia has its logic of cooperation, based on allied principles. As for Azerbaijan and cooperation in this area, I would like to note that Azerbaijan is increasing its military potential in every possible way, trying to convince its population and the world community that there is potential for a military solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“The logic of Azerbaijan's military capacity building is aimed at a military solution to the conflict, which poses a threat to the security of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh,” Mnatsakanyan stated.

He reported that Yerevan raises this issue during communications with their Russian counterparts. “We openly and honestly discuss all issues with the Russian side. We have allied relations,” the Armenian Foreign Minister said.