Pentagon Promises Assistance to Armenia in Military Reforms During Chief of General Staff's Visit to Stuttgart

From November 1 to 3 in Stuttgart, discussions took place between Armenia's Chief of General Staff Edward Asryan and representatives from the U.S. European Command (EUCOM). Following the two-day visit, the Pentagon has promised to provide assistance to Armenia regarding military reforms, reports РБК.

According to the Armenian Ministry of Defense, a meeting was held on November 3 in Stuttgart with Lieutenant General Stephen Basham, the Deputy Commander of the U.S. European Command. Lieutenant General Basham expressed the U.S. readiness to continue supporting ongoing cooperation programs and also to initiate new avenues of collaboration in the following areas: professionalization of the armed forces, strengthening the professional sergeant corps, modernization of the command system, peacekeeping, military medicine, military education and combat training, exercises, and more.

Regional security issues were also discussed.

The media outlet, referencing a statement posted on EUCOM's website, notes that during the meeting, both sides addressed Armenia's security, defense reforms, and bilateral military cooperation.

“It was an honor for us to host Lieutenant General Asryan and his team. We learned a lot from each other,” stated the American general, adding that the United States and Armenia are “consciously and gradually” developing their defense cooperation.

In turn, the Chief of the Armenian Armed Forces stated that “the armed forces of Armenia are currently undergoing significant reforms and transformations.”

“We are interested in receiving support and acquiring the best practices from our partners, especially from the United States,” said Asryan. “These discussions lay the groundwork for planning and conducting future joint exercises with the U.S. European Command, as we strive to enhance our military's capacity to respond to changes in a dynamic and complex environment,” he concluded.

As part of the visit, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan also visited the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) and the NCO Academy located in Hohenfels.

It should be noted that EUCOM is responsible for U.S. military operations in Europe, parts of Asia and the Middle East, as well as the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. The command has a force of more than 65,000 personnel and works closely with NATO allies and partners.