NATO-Armenia Relations

Armenia and NATO cooperate on democratic, institutional, and defense reforms, and have developed practical cooperation in many other areas, including peacekeeping operations. The Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) lays out the programme of cooperation between Armenia and NATO and sets out a wide-ranging roadmap for reforms.

While Armenia intends to intensify practical and political cooperation with NATO in order to draw closer to the Alliance, it does not seek membership in NATO.

Framework for cooperation

Armenia sets out its reform plans and timelines in its Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. Armenia’s IPAP is geared towards strengthening political dialogue between NATO and Armenia and to supporting Armenia’s democratic and defense reforms.

The wide-ranging nature of the IPAP means that Armenia is not only cooperating with NATO in the defense sphere, but is in regular consultation with the Allies on rule of law, transparency of reforms, counter-terrorism and the fight against corruption. As part of the IPAP, NATO agrees to support Armenia in achieving its reform goals through providing focused advice and assistance.

Armenia also makes important contributions to NATO-led operations. In 2004, Armenian forces joined the NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Kosovo; the Armenian contingent in KFOR was doubled in 2008 to include about 70 personnel. Since February 2010, Armenian contributes to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

Armenia also cooperates with NATO and other Partner countries in a wide range of other areas through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). Armenia tailors its participation in the PfP programme through an annual Individual Partnership Programme, selecting those activities that will help achieve the goals it has set in the IPAP.

Key areas of cooperation

Security cooperation

Since joining the PfP in 1994, Armenia has contributed to Euro-Atlantic security alongside NATO Allies. Armenian troops have worked alongside those of NATO countries in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Armenia is cooperating with NATO and individual Allies on facilitating the interoperability of the Armenian armed forces with those of NATO countries. This includes development of a peacekeeping brigade, with combat support and combat service support units, using NATO standards. Armenia and NATO are also in consultations over the reform of Armenian military education practices.

Armenia’s participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) since 2002 is helping develop the ability of its forces to work with NATO. PARP is a core element of Armenia’s cooperation with NATO.

Armenia contributes to the fight against terrorism through its participation in the Partnership Action Plan on Terrorism (PAP-T). This includes sharing intelligence and analysis with NATO, enhancing national counter-terrorist training capabilities and improving border security.

In consultation with NATO, Armenia has begun a process of reviewing its national crisis-management procedures and arrangements.

Defense and security sector reform

NATO is supportive of the wide-ranging democratic and institutional reform process underway in Armenia. In the area of defense and security sector reform, NATO and individual Allies have considerable expertise that Armenia can draw upon.
A key priority for Armenia is to ensure democratic control of the armed forces. Armenia’s participation in Partnership Action Plan on Defense Institution Building initiative is reinforcing these efforts.

Armenia has consulted with NATO Allies on the development of a National Security Strategy and a Military Doctrine and is currently conducting a Strategic Defense Review. Armenia and NATO are in consultations over Armenian defense planning and defense budgeting procedures which will be key tools for the conduct and implementation of the Strategic Defense Review.

Armenia and NATO are cooperating on the establishment of a situation centre in Yerevan. This centre will assist in crisis-management and counter-terrorism coordination.

Civil emergency planning

Armenia is determined to improve its emergency preparedness and response capabilities to deal with disasters and asymmetric threats. In the context of the IPAP, the Armenian Rescue Service is taking a number of measures to improve contingency planning and is actively contributing to the establishment of the planned government crisis-management centre. Armenia is also working to enhance links with the NATO-based Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) in order to contribute to international disaster relief operations.

Science and environment

Under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Armenia has received grant awards for about 38 projects for scientific and environmental collaboration. Projects undertaken include the prevention, detection and response to nuclear and radiological threats, risk assessment on natural disasters and water security.

Other projects include collaboration on improving trans-boundary water quality with Azerbaijan and Georgia, and network technology studies. Armenia also participates in the Virtual Silk Highway project, which aims to improve internet access for academics and research communities in the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia through a satellite-based network.

Public Information

Armenia intends to raise public awareness of NATO and Armenia’s cooperation with the Alliance, as well as to improve public information in support of its defense and security reforms. In line with this, NATO continues to provide advice and support where requested, including relevant training and consultations. An information centre on NATO was established in Yerevan in 2006 with the support of the Armenian government and NATO.

Evolution of relations

Armenia-NATO relations date back to 1992, when Armenia joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (renamed the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, EAPC, in 1997).

Cooperation deepened and broadened after Armenia joined the Partnership for Peace programme in 1994. Armenia’s participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process since 2002 and its first contribution to KFOR in 2004 further deepened relations. NATO and Armenia agreed on the country’s first Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) in late 2005.

Key milestones

1992

Armenia joins the newly created North Atlantic Cooperation Council, renamed the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997

1994

Armenia joins the Partnership for Peace (PfP)

2002

Armenia joins the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP)

Armenia becomes associate member of NATO Parliamentarian Assembly

Armenia joins to the NATO Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism

Armenian peacekeeping forces /34 people/ under the Greek command joins to the KFOR

2004

At the Istanbul Summit, Allied leaders place special focus on the Caucasus – a special NATO representative and a liaison officer are assigned to the region.

2005

On June 16, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian presents Armenia’s first IPAP to the North Atlantic Council.

NATO’s North-Atlantic Council approves Armenia-NATO IPAP.

2006

The first NATO’s liaison officer to the South Caucasus is assigned.

2007

A NATO information Centre is officially opened in Yerevan

2008

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense Mr. E.Nalbandyan and Mr. S.Ohanian participate to the Armenia-NAC meeting.

The Armenian contingent in KFOR is doubled from one platoon to two platoons, plus Company staff (total about 85 personnel).

Armenia hosts the PfP Exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visits NATO headquarters and meets with NATO Secretary General.

2009

On May 4th North-Atlantic Council approved Armenia-NATO IPAP for 2009-2010.