The Minister of Defence congratulated Mr. Laitenen and Colonel Pipes on the occasion of assuming the mission in Armenia and wished them new achievements for the development of the Armenian-American cooperation.

The Ambassador, in her turn, congratulated Arshak Karapetyan on assuming the post of Minister of Defence, noting that it is happening in a rather difficult period for Armenia.

At the request of the US Ambassador, the Minister of Defence presented the situation on the borders of Armenia, noting the regular provocations by Azerbaijan. Arshak Karapetyan reaffirmed the readiness of the Armenian side to settle the issues peacefully, at the same time emphasizing the determination of Armenia to protect its borders and territorial integrity.

During the meeting, the possibilities of giving a new impetus to the Armenian-American cooperation in the defense sphere were also discussed. The parties expressed readiness to continue effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest.