Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with the delegation led by UK Minister of State for Defense Vernon Coaker.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Vernon Coaker’s visit to Armenia and emphasized the active dialogue and cooperation that has recently developed between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.
The Prime Minister noted that a broad agenda has been formed in bilateral relations, covering various sectors and directions. He added that the Armenian government attaches importance to high-level mutual visits, which give new impetus to the consistent expansion of ties.
Vernon Coaker thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and stressed that elevating relations with Armenia to the level of a strategic partnership will give fresh momentum to multifaceted cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives.
The UK Minister of State for Defense expressed satisfaction with the discussions already held in Armenia and stated that the UK is ready to continue a close dialogue in order to further expand and develop cooperation.
The parties highlighted the importance of implementing joint programs, including in the fields of military education and cybersecurity.
Nikol Pashinyan and Vernon Coaker also discussed issues of regional significance. In particular, Vernon Coaker reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for strengthening the recently established peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing confidence that this will contribute to enhanced stability and cooperation in the region.
The sides exchanged views on the TRIPP and “Crossroads of Peace” projects. Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the Armenian government is interested in unblocking regional transport and connectivity routes within the framework of the principles set out in the declaration signed in Washington on August 8, and in attracting international investment for that purpose.
UK Minister of State for Defense Vernon Coaker earlier met with Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan.
The British Embassy earlier announced that Coaker will open the UK’s first permanent Defense Section in Yerevan. The visit comes after the UK announced the ‘historic’ appointment of the first resident UK Defense Attaché to Armenia.
