The way a CSTO member-state Armenia builds its partnership with NATO is impressing, said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UK in the Republic of Armenia Katherine Leach speaking at the International Conference "NATO Partnership in the South Caucasus: Strategic Approach to Regional Security" in Yerevan on 20 March.
According to the ambassador Armenia's partnership with Russia and the CSTO membership fits into the general logic. However, Armenia undoubtedly strives to achieve progress also in its relations with NATO, Ambassador Leach said outlining Armenia's involvement in the peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and revision of Armenia's defense strategy. She said that Europe by all means possible tries to help resolve the conflicts in the South Caucasus, as these conflicts hinder development of regional cooperation and the EU- China cooperation in the field of energy.
The ambassador said that today Europe strives for more secure and prosperous South Caucasus. The EU tries to bring historical enemies to peace and cooperation. Look at the example of the UK and France that had been historical rivals for a long period of time, the ambassador said. Therefore, after the WWII Europe has been exerting efforts to create peaceful partnership, which will in turn, develop human capital,
Katherine Leach said in her speech. The ongoing two-day International Conference "NATO Partnership in the South Caucasus: Strategic Approach to Regional Security" in Yerevan has brought together political analysts and experts from Azerbaijan, Georgia, USA, Russia, Turkey, Iran, UK, Spain and Belgium to discuss regional security issues, Euro-Atlantic prospects, European and Eurasian partnership, cooperation and development trends in the countries in the South Caucasus.
The event is organized by the Center for Strategic Analysis Spectrum.