On February 7, 2008 RA Defense Minister Michael Harutyunyan met with the delegation of the NATO Mission on Assessment of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and the Planning and Review Process (PARP) led by Head of the Political Affairs and Security Directorate Yaroslav Skonechka.

At the beginning of the meeting Michael Harutyunyan greeted the guests, noting that the periodic visits of different NATO representatives to the region, particularly Armenia, evidence that NATO is interested in regional developments. The Minister noted that NATO’s role in the region is substantial, and that the development of multifaceted cooperation with the Alliance is of primary importance for Armenia. Michael Harutyunyan stated that the organization has an important input in ensuing international security and stability, which is evidenced by the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Armenia highly appreciates the efforts of the organization in the development of Armenia-NATO cooperation, which is proved by application of the objectives of the IPAP and PARP in the process of implementation of defense reforms in the Republic of Armenia. The Minister noted that the first two-year stage of the PARP can be considered accomplished. Its results will be discussed during the sitting of the North Atlantic Treaty in 26+1 format expected in April. A new process, i.e. the strategic defense review, will be launched this year. M. Harutyunyan assured that the Armenian side is resolute to develop the cooperation with NATO and expressed hope that the collaboration will keep growing during the coming two years, embracing new fields. At the end of the meeting the parties exchanged views on a number of issues related to regional security and stability.