Armenian First Deputy Defense Minister leaves for Russia

Armenian First Deputy Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan flew to Moscow on July 27, Report states, citing 168.am.

During the visit, he will meet with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu.

On July 26, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Shoygu and Karapetyan had a telephone conversation. The talks focused on regional security, as well as mutual interests.

On July 20, Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan appointed Arshak Karapetyan First Deputy Defense Minister. Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan was relieved of his post on July 20. Currently, Karapetyan is acting as also defense minister.

The first session of the new Armenian parliament will be held on August 3. The meeting is expected to approve the new composition of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers of Armenia. Therefore, Karapetyan is expected to be confirmed as a defense minister. It is not ruled out that he will pass an appropriate test or receive Russia's blessing during the visit.