In a recent engagement, Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan met with the founding chair of Rasmussen Global, the international political consultancy led by former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The discussion covered a broad spectrum of regional security concerns, reflecting ongoing attention to stability in the South Caucasus and surrounding areas. The participants exchanged insights on evolving threats, defense collaboration, and the strategic environment shaping Armenia’s security posture amid shifting regional dynamics.
During the encounter, Papikyan provided a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments within Armenia and its neighborhood. The briefing highlighted border security challenges, cross-border cooperation opportunities, and the broader implications for regional peace and stability. The dialogue underscored the importance of informed, proactive governance and the role of strategic partnerships in supporting Armenia’s security objectives and resilience.
Meanwhile, in a separate channel of regional diplomacy, a phone discussion between former Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan focused on the implementation of tripartite agreements among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the Russian Federation. The conversation outlined concrete steps aimed at stabilizing the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, mitigating tensions, and restoring economic and transport connectivity across the region. The exchange emphasized practical measures and coordinated efforts to preserve peace and enable economic recovery in areas affected by longstanding disputes.
At the end of the previous week, a NATO delegation led by Lieutenant General Mustafa Oguz, the Chief of Staff of the Allied Joint Ground Command, conducted a visit to a military unit in Azerbaijan. The delegation observed the unit’s equipment and operations, receiving detailed briefings on the tactical and technical characteristics of the current inventory. The exchange facilitated a mutual understanding of interoperability needs and potential avenues for future cooperation within the framework of allied defense initiatives and regional security dialogues.
Participants in the discussions explored prospects for expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, focusing on practical steps that support command, control, and communications, coupled with confidence-building measures that reduce risk and enhance readiness. The conversations reflected a shared interest in maintaining open channels for dialogue, transparency in military capabilities, and the steady advancement of security arrangements that help deter aggression while promoting stability across the wider region.