PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED CELESTE WALLANDER, THE US DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

president.am
Dec 4 2009
Armenia

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan received Celeste Wallander, the US
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.

Welcoming the guest, the President of Armenia said, "Relations
between Armenia and the United States have traditionally been warm and
friendly, and we are keenly interested in deepening them even further.

Armenia is greatly appreciative of the assistance provided to us by
the government of the United States from day one of our independence.

We also highly value the US efforts aimed at the establishment of peace
and security in our region and settlement of the existing problems."

The representative of the US Defense Department said that during her
visit she intends to learn more about Armenia’s priorities in the
area of defense. Noting, that her country highly praises Armenia’s
participation in a number peacekeeping operations she said that
she had already visited the peacekeeping brigade of the Republic of
Armenia and was impressed by the capabilities of the Armenian troops.

President Sargsyan stressed the importance of Armenia’s participation
in the international peacekeeping operations and said that Armenia can
and must have her input in the strengthening of international security.

The President of Armenia and the representative of the US Defense
Department underscored the efficiency of the two countries’ cooperation
in the defense area and implemented programs and noted that Armenia
has been fully utilizing the existing opportunities.

President Sargsyan said that being the Minister of Defense of
Armenia for several years, he had participated in the shaping of
this cooperation and believes that there is a great potential for
its further expansion and deepening.

The parties exchanged also views on the regional issues and current
developments.