Papikyan meets with US defense secretary at Pentagon

On Dec. 5, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Welcoming Suren Papikyan, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the historic significance of the Armenian defense minister’s visit.

Issues related to Armenia-U.S. defense cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

Lloyd Austin affirmed that the U.S. supports the independence, sovereignty, and prosperity of the Republic of Armenia, highlighting that cooperation between the two countries continues to grow.

Austin emphasized the United States’ commitment to continue supporting the reforms of the Armenian Armed Forces.

The meeting also addressed international and regional security issues.

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the region. In turn, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expressed the United States’ support for this objective.