Armenia`s Defense Minister, U.S. Sec of Defense discuss military  cooperation 

ArmInfo. December 5, the  Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan held a  meeting with the United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J.  Austin  III.    The meeting commenced with an official welcoming ceremony at the  Pentagon, during which the national anthems of Armenia and the United  States were performed.    Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, expressing his gratitude to U.S.  Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III for the warm hospitality,  outlined the ongoing reforms within the Armed Forces of the Republic  of Armenia and highlighted the priority areas of cooperation. These  areas are aimed at both transforming the RA Armed Forces and  enhancing interoperability with the U.S. Armed Forces, which are  military education, combat training, joint exercises in preparation  for participation in international peacekeeping missions, the  development of professional NCO and instructor corps, and the  establishment of educational and training capabilities for the RA  Armed Forces.    Welcoming the RA Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, U.S. Secretary  of Defense Lloyd Austin III emphasized the historic significance of  the RA Defense Minister's visit.    Issues related to Armenia-US defense cooperation were discussed  during the meeting.    Lloyd Austin III affirmed that the United States supports the  independence, sovereignty, and prosperity of the Republic of Armenia,  highlighting that cooperation between the two countries continues to  grow.    Secretary Austin emphasized the United States' commitment to continue  supporting the reforms of the Armenian Armed Forces.   The meeting also addressed international and regional security  issues.    Defense Minister Suren Papikyan reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to  achieving lasting peace in the region. In turn, U.S. Secretary of  Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expressed the United States' support for  this objective