We Are Preparing to Do Everything to Enhance Our Country's Defense Capabilities

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, in an interview with Interfax, addressed intentions to acquire new weapons among other issues. Is Armenia planning to apply to Russia for a new military loan, and when will it be ready to repay the loan for ammunition and equipment? To this question, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan responded, 'We have appropriate formats and platforms for discussing Armenia's and Russia's military-technical cooperation, and all our cooperation issues are resolved there. I will not delve into details. I can say that this is the sector that already has an established platform.'

Is Armenia preparing to purchase new airplanes and helicopters? In response to this question, Mnatsakanyan stated, 'We are preparing to do everything to systematically enhance our country's defense capabilities. I have already told you that Armenia and Russia are allies.'

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also addressed the question of whether there is interest in maintaining the Russian military base in Gyumri. 'Armenia does not threaten anyone in the region. Armenia and Russia have common security interests, and based on these mutual interests, we pursue the common goal of ensuring security. The military base allows us to achieve that goal.'