On May 21, RA Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan received the delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of State Brandon Yoder.
The minister welcomed the guests, appreciated the close bilateral cooperation, and thanked the US Embassy for providing constant support since the reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs began.
Vahe Ghazaryan singled out Armenia’s joining the global coalition against synthetic drug threats as one of the crucial initiatives and expressed hope that this will promote the continuation and expansion of practical cooperation in the fight against illegal drug trafficking.
Among the directions of the cooperation agenda, the minister emphasized the creation of Patrol and Water Patrol services and the fight against crime, including the fight against illegal drug trafficking and cybercrime.
The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed special thanks for the logistical support provided to the Rescue Service within the framework of the program implemented by the US Department of Defense’s Threat Reduction Agency and for training courses for employees.
Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, Brandon Yoder emphasized practical cooperation and noted that the achievements in the framework of sectorial reforms are exceptional. On behalf of the US government, he expressed readiness to continue active cooperation and expand the agenda.
At the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan, presented the reforms and completed work of the Ministry and mentioned the planned works, which include both the police and rescue spheres.
At the meeting, the parties discussed issues of mutual interest and outlined future actions. In particular, a new program aimed at effective human resource management will be launched in the USA in the near future. The possibility of a separate program in the field of education is also being considered.
Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan expressed special thanks to Alexis Havtvani, head of the US Embassy in Armenia’s anti-narcotics and law enforcement cooperation program, who is finishing his mission in Armenia.
Alexis Havtvani was awarded the “For Cooperation” medal for his support of introducing the patrol service and close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
