Armenia and NATO discuss new areas of scientific cooperation
Scientists, experts, policy makers and practitioners from Armenia discussed emerging security issues of mutual interest at the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Information Day held at the National Academy of Sciences in Yerevan on 17 November 2016. The event was part of the NATO Week in Armenia.
The event attracted more than 80 participants from various governmental institutions and the private sector. They discussed new areas of joint security interest and deliberated options for potential cooperation in the fields of cyber defence, defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents, and security-related advanced technologies.
Practical scientific cooperation
The SPS Programme gives Armenia the opportunity to create experts networks that collaborate with counterparts from NATO countries on projects with tangible impact. “Armenia highly prioritises the SPS Programme and we hope that the cooperation with NATO through the SPS Programme will continue in the best possible manner in the future,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Mr Ashot Hovakimian.
Currently, there are two SPS multi-year projects with the country in the area of environmental security.
A new Individual Partnership Action Plan
The event was timely as NATO and Armenia are negotiating a new Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). The IPAP for Armenia aims to deepen the cooperation with the country and coordinate efforts in providing assistance.
Dr Jamie Shea, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, explained, “We want to set out a rich menu for Armenia in the SPS Programme framework to allow the next IPAP to be more ambitious, reflecting new activities and opportunities for further practical collaboration.” Furthermore, Michael Gaul, NATO Senior Advisor in NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division, concluded, “The Information Day created a room for expert talks and exchange of ideas on defence and security matters important for both NATO and Armenia and led to concrete proposals for joint future activities.”
Framework for cooperation
Armenia has a long history of cooperation with NATO. As Ambassador Matthias Kiesler, head of the German Embassy in Armenia (also NATO Contact Point Embassy) noted, “Armenia was one of the first countries that joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and has an active political dialogue with NATO ever since.” Although Armenia is not seeking membership in the Alliance, it benefits from access to many NATO partnership programmes, allowing the country to build upon the political dialogue and develop practical cooperation with NATO.