NATO’s relations with Armenia

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

How does cooperation work in practice?

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 defence reforms.

The wide-ranging nature of the IPAP means that Armenia is not only cooperating with NATO in the defence sphere, but is in regular consultation with the Allies on the 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. Armenian forces joined those of the Allies in Kosovo peacekeeping operations in 2004, and discussions on an Armenian contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan are ongoing.

How did relations with Armenia evolve?

NATO-Armenia 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.