On August 2, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the Foreign Minister of Armenia received the delegation headed by Colonel-General Alexander Fomin, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.

Welcoming the guest Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia highly values the cooperation between the two countries in the military and military-technical fields both in bilateral and multilateral formats. In that context Minister Mnatsakanyan emphasized that Armenia attaches great importance to a further consolidation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and is committed to continue its active involvement for that purpose.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Alexander Fomin discussed issues related to the prospects of deepening cooperation in the military sphere. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existence of a strong bilateral legal framework.

The interlocutors underlined the effective military and military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Russia and the high level of interoperability of armed forces. Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri is one of the positive and important examples of cooperation in this field.

During the meeting the Foreign Minister and Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation discussed international and regional security issues. Special attention was given to the situation in the Middle East, especially in Syria, and to the challenges faced by ethnic and religious minorities in the region as a result of the actions of terrorist groups. Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia is very sensitive to the events taking place in the region, as they directly relate to the security of our compatriots in Syria and the protection of the Armenian rich historical and cultural heritage. The interlocutors underlined the importance of the international community's united efforts in the fight against terrorism.