“Gli Stati Uniti non ci vendono ancora le armi, ma siamo interessati” – Ministro della Difesa armeno

On acquiring weapons:

>“We are satisfied with our cooperation with the US. The pace is encouraging, and there is clear positive progress. We hope the achievements of 2024 will not only continue but multiply in 2025, further strengthening our partnership,” said Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan.
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>Journalists asked whether the Strategic Partnership Charter signed by Yerevan and Washington includes provisions for arms procurement. Suren Papikyan clarified that the document does not include such measures:
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>“Naturally, we are interested in our cooperation eventually reaching that level.”
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>He further emphasized that the Armenian-American partnership is grounded in an institutional and long-term approach.
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>Addressing questions about the role of partners and strengthening Armenia’s defence capabilities, the minister noted that the “burden” of border protection should not fall solely on a single partner or the armed forces alone. He stressed the importance of combining the army’s defensive capacity with a balanced foreign policy.
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>Regarding the supply of weapons and ammunition, Papikyan reiterated that Armenia acquires military equipment solely for self-defence purposes.
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>“Moreover, Armenia’s armed forces do not aim to compete with anyone in terms of armament,” he added.

On long-term goals/instituional reform:

>He further emphasized that the Armenian-American partnership is grounded in an institutional and long-term approach.
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>“Cooperation with US and France aims to strengthen Armenia’s defence capabilities“
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>The head of the defence ministry stated that both France and the US are assisting in reforming Armenia’s armed forces through consultations:
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>“The opportunities they provide are crucial for the institutional reform of our military and the development of a new internal structure.”

On Aliyev’s threats (which conflicts with [other claims](https://reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/1hxvvl3/pashinyan_calls_on_baku_to_mutually_abandon/m6dcmok/) that Azerbaijan is preparing for war):

>Papikyan sees no grounds for a new escalation despite threats coming from Azerbaijan. He explained that Armenia is working toward establishing peace in the region and has presented Azerbaijan with concrete proposals to address all issues:

Why is there so much talk about buying American weapons? We already have very good rapport with India and France in that regard. It would be a nice bonus but by no means I think it’s as important as some make it out.