On October 19, 2008 RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan received the delegation headed by the Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simmons.

Greeting the guest, Mr. Ohanyan talked about reforms in the armed forces of RA, particularly discussed issues concerning to the military education. RA Defense Minister mentioned that one of the main aspects during the reform process will be a reconsideration of defense strategy RA. During the meeting sides talked about the “Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2008” military exercises of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Cooperation Council, which must strengthen regional cooperation. At the end of the meeting Mr. Ohanyan assured that taking out the Armenian peacekeeping group from Iraq has no underlying message, reason was the announcement of Iraq Authorities that they are able to carry out the situation in country.