Armenia opens honorary consulate in Kathmandu to boost bilateral ties

Nepal News
May 22 2026
Armenia opens honorary consulate in Kathmandu to boost bilateral ties 
KATHMANDU: Armenia officially inaugurated its honorary consulate in Kathmandu yesterday, May 21, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations with Nepal.

The consulate office in Naxal was jointly inaugurated by Armenian Ambassador Vahagn Afyan and Honorary Consul Kiran Malla.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Afyan described the opening as a significant milestone in Nepal-Armenia relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1993. He emphasized cooperation in tourism, education, information technology, trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and cultural diplomacy.

Honorary Consul Malla highlighted the historical and cultural similarities between the two countries and expressed confidence that collaboration in tourism, trade, academia, and youth engagement would further deepen bilateral relations. 

Armenia Respects Russia as a Superpower, Will Never Join Anti-Russian Campaign

PRAVDA, Russia
May 22 2026
 22.05.2026 14:55
World

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia will never become part of an anti-Russian campaign and emphasized that Yerevan intends to maintain respectful relations with Moscow despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Pashinyan Says Armenia Will Not Confront Russia

Speaking at a briefing, Pashinyan described Russia as a superpower whose interests deserve respect.

“We will not argue or go to war with Russia because that would be unserious. Russia is a superpower that must be treated with respect. The interests of the Russian Federation also deserve respect,” Pashinyan said.

At the same time, he acknowledged that many people in both Armenia and Russia would like to see a deeper crisis emerge in bilateral relations.

Armenian Leader Defends Zelensky’s Visit to Yerevan

Pashinyan also commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Armenia. Zelensky arrived in Yerevan on May 3 to participate in the European Political Community summit alongside European Union leaders.

During the summit, participants discussed regional security, Armenia’s growing cooperation with the European Union, and possible paths toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Armenia and the EU later signed an agreement launching a new partnership framework.

Pashinyan rejected criticism surrounding Zelensky’s presence in Armenia.

“People ask why the president of Ukraine came to Armenia. Excuse me, but why should he not have come?” the Armenian prime minister said.

He pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited Baku during the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and noted that the trip did not provoke outrage in Yerevan.

During the summit, Zelensky made several anti-Russian statements, but Pashinyan chose not to publicly respond. He explained that, as the host leader, he did not consider it necessary to react to every political statement made during the event.

“I do not believe that, as the head of the host country, I should censor or respond to absolutely everything,” he stressed.

However, the Kremlin later stated that allowing anti-Russian rhetoric at the summit contradicted the spirit of relations between Moscow and Yerevan.

Pashinyan Comments on Armenia’s Future in the EAEU

The Armenian prime minister also addressed speculation about Armenia’s possible withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Earlier, he warned that any decision regarding membership would not happen suddenly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously urged Armenia to clarify whether it intends to prioritize closer integration with the European Union or remain within the EAEU framework.

Pashinyan responded by saying that only Armenia itself has the authority to decide its future inside the organization.

“Regarding Armenia’s status in the EAEU, according to the union’s regulations, only Armenia itself can discuss that status. A member state may decide to leave, and no other procedure exists,” he explained.

He added that Yerevan remains prepared to discuss membership-related issues with other members of the economic bloc if necessary.

Details

Armenia officially the Republic of Armenia, is a landlocked country in the Armenian highlands of West Asia. It is a part of the Caucasus region and is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south. Yerevan is the capital, largest city and financial center.

Study tour of Armenia to dovetail with the 60th anniversary of the Jinishian M

Presbyterian Church USA
May 22 2026

Study tour of Armenia to dovetail with the 60th anniversary of the Jinishian Memorial Program

July 30 is the deadline to apply for this opportunity to experience the country’s ‘rich history and ancient heritage’

Darla Carter
Image

LOUISVILLE — People who are interested in exploring the history, culture and landscapes of Armenia are invited to participate in the Jinishian Memorial Program’s annual study tour. 

The Discover Armenia Mission Tour takes place Oct. 1-10 and will be hosted by staff of the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP), an international relief and development agency administered by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

“People who enjoy learning about a country through meaningful local connections and a friendly atmosphere should strongly consider this study tour,” said Eliza Minasyan, who manages JMP. “Participants will discover not only Armenia’s rich history and ancient heritage but also its present-day life, current challenges and remarkable resilience.” 

July 30 is the deadline to apply for the tour, which begins in  Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, and “boasts grand Soviet-era architecture, charming cafes, and bustling markets,” according to the tour agenda. 

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Along with learning about the town’s history and culture, participants will gain insight into the work of JMP, which empowers Armenians across the Middle East and Europe through economic development, community health, education and spiritual upliftment.

“Our foundation is built on the kindness and compassion of simple, caring individuals,” Minasyan said. “We are not supported by wealthy magnates but by middle-class donors whose generosity of spirit helps make dreams possible.”

This year’s tour dovetails with JMP’s 60th anniversary, which adds a special note of significance to the educational opportunity.

“Participants will not only experience Armenia through its history, culture and landscapes but also gain a deeper understanding of six decades of compassionate service, development work and human connections that have impacted countless lives,” Minasyan said.

There will be several organized events, including an “expo for one of our economic development programs,” she said. “We’ll hold the expo for a few days where all these businesses that were supported to be established in the regions of Armenia will come to promote their products and share and communicate with each other.”

Sights featured on the tour include cultural treasures, such as the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the first Christian cathedrals in the world, and the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni. 

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The tour includes visits to ancient monasteries as well as cities that range from old to contemporary (Photo courtesy of the Jinishian Memorial Program).

“There also will be visits to ancient monasteries, old and contemporary cities, breathtaking mountains, caves and landscapes that reflect Armenia’s unique blend of history, spirituality, resilience, and natural beauty,” Minasyan said.

The study tour is open to anyone, but there are certain individuals for whom it might be especially beneficial. For example, this tour is “ideal for those interested in development work and the ongoing process of post-Soviet democratization and social transition,” Minasyan said. “It is an opportunity to experience firsthand the culture, faith, spiritual strength and hospitality of a nation that has miraculously survived through centuries of empires and hardships while preserving its identity and values.”

Former tour participant Eric Diekhans wrote in a 2024 reflection, “I can declare without hyperbole that my 10 days in Armenia was the trip of a lifetime. I will return to Armenia, and I’ll bring a new appreciation for this country steeped in tradition but unafraid of change.”

Most of the tour takes place on a bus, with moderate walking required and plenty of opportunities for “friend-raising,” Minasyan said.

“We intentionally keep our groups small, so participants can communicate openly, build friendships and learn from one another,” she said. “We eat together, walk together, learn together and celebrate together. Every day brings something unexpected, meaningful and beautiful, making the journey not only educational but also deeply personal and unforgettable.”

For more information about the tour and about the Jinishian Memorial Program, go here.



Turkish Press: Pashinyan denies Armenia role in anti-Russian acts

Yeni Şafak, Turkey
May 22 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected accusations from Moscow that Yerevan is engaging in “unfriendly” actions, saying many parties seek a crisis in bilateral ties. He insisted Armenia is not Russia’s ally on the Ukraine issue and defended hosting Ukraine’s president at a recent summit.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday pushed back against Russian allegations that his government has taken “clearly unfriendly” steps toward Moscow, asserting that Yerevan has not been involved in any anti-Russian activities.

Responding to Shoigu’s accusations

Speaking at a briefing, Pashinyan said, “There are many people who want a crisis” in Russian-Armenian relations, according to state news agency Armenpress. His remarks followed accusations from Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, who pointed to Armenia’s accession to the International Criminal Court, the extradition of Russian citizens to third countries, “the deliberate worsening of conditions for Russian economic operators,” and the use of a European Political Community summit platform in Yerevan by Kyiv to issue threats against Russia.

EAEU membership and Ukraine stance

Addressing Armenia’s place in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Pashinyan said only Yerevan can decide whether to stay or leave the bloc. “We can discuss any questions that arise, and I assume our partners may have some, and we will respond to all of them patiently,” he said. On the Ukraine war, he stressed that Armenia is not Russia’s ally. Defending the decision to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a May summit in Yerevan, Pashinyan asked: “Excuse me — wasn’t he supposed to visit Armenia? When Armenia was in conflict with Azerbaijan, didn’t the president of Azerbaijan visit Russia?”

Diplomatic fallout over Zelenskyy’s remarks

Dozens of leaders attended the European Political Community summit in Yerevan in early May, alongside a separate EU-Armenia meeting. During the event, Zelenskyy warned that Ukrainian drones could fly over Moscow on May 9, when Russia held its World War II victory parade. Following the remarks, Russia summoned Armenia’s ambassador in Moscow, informing him of the “categorical unacceptability” of giving the Ukrainian president a platform to issue what Moscow described as “terrorist threats.”

In Russia, Armenian mineral water “Jermuk” is completely banned

May 22 2026

In Russia, Armenian mineral water “Jermuk” is completely banned

Russia has completely banned the sale and import of the well-known mineral water “Jermuk,” which is extracted in Armenia. This decision was made by Rospotrebnadzor, writes “Kommersant”.

Previously, since the end of April, restrictions only applied to individual batches of water with specific production dates. Now, however, the ban extends to all products without exception. Russian authorities have simply prohibited the supply of this water to the country.

The formal reason is that the water allegedly showed an excess of certain substances — bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. The agency claims that this, it says, could mislead people regarding its medicinal properties and even harm health if a person relies on such an effect.

The adopted decision was reported to the Eurasian Economic Commission and relevant authorities of other EAEU countries, as well as to trade organizations, to stop the distribution of the product.

Formally, this decision looks like restrictions for purely technical reasons, but it has long been known that sanitary restrictions on imports from countries whose leadership or people have displeased the Kremlin are a standard practice of the Russian authorities. The discovery of something harmful in products from a particular country by Rospotrebnadzor or other similar structures almost always miraculously coincides with a general deterioration of interstate relations.

Earlier, Rosselkhoznadzor announced that from May 22, it would introduce restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia.


Armenia Has “No Plans” To Exit The Eurasian Economic Union

Russia’s Pivot to Asia
May 22 2026

Published on May 22, 2026

EN RU

Armenia has no plans to exit the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the country’s possible removal from the organisation cannot be discussed in a unilateral format, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has said. The statement came after multiple European media outlets had stressed that Armenia was poised to join the European Union and preferred ties with Brussels over Moscow. The EAEU includes Russia as well as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It fills the geophysical space between Eastern Europe and Western China.  

Mirzoyan said that “the issue of Armenia’s exit from the EAEU cannot be discussed until Armenia itself submits this request and voices this desire. We have not voiced this desire. Consequently, our possible removal cannot be discussed. The Armenian sovereign charter does not cater for this. Such an issue is not on our agenda.”

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk had earlier stated in response to European media suggestions over a tendency for Yerevan to seek rapprochement with the West that “Membership in the EAEU and the EU are incompatible. Armenia understands this very well.”

Any possibility of freezing Armenia’s EAEU membership cannot be discussed without Yerevan’s participation either,” Mirzoyan stated, adding that “it cannot happen.” It is not envisioned in the Armenian charter. The EAEU is an organisation that is governed by consensus decisions. How is it possible? On the contrary, we are committed to continuing this EAEU partnership.”

Armenia is looking for Russian investment to boost its nuclear energy sector, while bilateral trade has been somewhat erratic, mainly due to the threat of secondary sanctions on Yerevan. However, Moscow remains Yerevan’s principal trading and investment partner, accounting for over 36% of Armenia’s exports in 2025, with cooperation concentrated in consumer goods, food production, and key industrial sectors. Bilateral trade reached US$6.4 billion last year.

On May 20, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting of the Security Council’s special working group that Russia accounts for up to 98% of Armenia’s agricultural exports. “It is hardly possible to dispute the fact that cooperation with Russia is the main driver of Armenia’s economic growth. The development of economic ties with us has allowed Armenia’s GDP to grow by almost 40% from 2022 to 2025 alone,” Shoigu said.

The European Union is Armenia’s fourth-biggest trading partner, representing just 7.5% of Armenia’s total trade. Armenia does not have any natural border with the European Union.

Russia Suspends Imports and Sales of Mineral Water from Armenia

PRAVDA Russia
May 22 2026
 22.05.2026 19:49
World

Russia’s consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has fully suspended the import and sale of Jermuk mineral water across the country after inspectors identified excessive levels of several chemical compounds in the product.

Russia Expands Restrictions on Jermuk Mineral Water

According to the agency, laboratory testing revealed elevated levels of bicarbonate ions, chlorides, and sulfates in the Armenian-produced mineral water.

The restrictions officially took effect on May 22.

Earlier, on April 28, Russian authorities imposed temporary sanitary measures only on specific batches produced by Jermuk Group. The latest decision now applies to all products released under the Jermuk brand.

Rospotrebnadzor described the move as a temporary sanitary measure and stated that it had already notified the Eurasian Economic Commission about the restrictions.

“Misleading consumers regarding the medicinal properties of products may result in ineffective treatment and deterioration of health,” the agency stated.

Officials added that authorities continue monitoring the circulation of Jermuk mineral water on the Russian market.

Russia Also Tightens Controls on Armenian Agricultural Imports

At the same time, Rosselkhoznadzor introduced temporary restrictions on flower imports from Armenia starting May 22.

According to the agency’s head Sergey Dankvert, Russian specialists also have concerns regarding Armenian fruit and vegetable imports.

Dankvert explained that authorities are currently conducting additional inspections of suppliers and reviewing guarantees related to product safety.

Restrictions Come Amid Growing Political Tensions

The latest trade measures arrive during a period of increasingly complicated relations between Russia and Armenia.

On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Moscow remained “completely calm” about Armenia’s growing ties with the European Union. However, Putin also stated that Armenia would not be able to remain simultaneously inside both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Later, on April 20, Pashinyan announced that Armenia would not return to active participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

In early May, Yerevan hosted the European Political Community summit attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders.

Pashinyan Says Only Armenia Can Discuss EAEU Status

Eurasia Review
May 22 2026

By PanARMENIAN

The question of status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) can only be discussed by Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a press conference. He added that under EAEU regulations, only a member state can raise the issue of its status within the bloc, Sputnik Armenia reported.

“There are EAEU regulations according to which the issue of status can only be discussed by Armenia, meaning the member country itself; there is no other procedure. Any questions may arise among partners, and we will respond patiently,” Pashinyan said.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also stated on May 21 that the issue of leaving the EAEU cannot be discussed unless Armenia submits such a request and expresses such a desire.

During a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan on April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Armenia’s simultaneous membership in the European Union and the EAEU was impossible.

On May 18, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk announced that the issue of Armenia’s status in the EAEU would be discussed on May 29 during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana. According to him, it would be better if Armenia decided as quickly as possible between the Eurasian and European unions, as this would also be fairer toward Armenia’s partners in the EAEU.

Türkiye and Armenia Initiate Official Bilateral Trade

Jamestown Foundation
May 22 2026

Türkiye and Armenia Initiate Official Bilateral Trade

Economics & Energy Publication  Eurasia Daily Monitor  Armenia

05.22.2026

Mamie Powers

Türkiye and Armenia Initiate Official Bilateral Trade

Executive Summary:

  • Türkiye announced that preparations for official bilateral trade with Armenia were completed on May 11. Goods no longer need to be reregistered in a third country before reaching their final destination when moving between the two countries. 
  • Armenia and Türkiye are slowly advancing their normalization, and initiating official bilateral trade is a major milestone. Friendlier economic relations, especially in trade and transit, are an important part of this process. 
  • The normalization process between Armenia and Türkiye is highly contingent on the Armenia–Azerbaijan relationship. Azerbaijani and Turkish officials have stated that Türkiye’s land borders with Armenia could be opened following Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that preparations for initiating official bilateral trade between Türkiye and Armenia were completed as of May 11. Before this, bilateral trade of goods between Türkiye and Armenia was not possible without the goods being reregistered through a third country. This means that the final destination or origin of goods going from Türkiye to a third country and then to Armenia, or coming from Armenia using the same route, does not need to be reregistered in the third country, but can be written as “Armenia/Türkiye” (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; OC-Media, May 13). Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained to reporters on May 12 that, under previous regulations, Türkiye did not include Armenia on the list of destination countries, but now Türkiye is allowing Armenia to be listed directly as the country of destination on export documents (Armenpress, May 12). Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan wrote that Armenia “welcome[s] Türkiye’s decision to lift the bans on bilateral trade with Armenia.” She emphasized, “This is an important step towards the development of full-fledged and normal relations between the two countries” (X/@ArmSpoxMFA, May 13). A week before the announcement, on May 4, Pashinyan and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz signed a memorandum of understanding in Yerevan to restore the Ani Bridge, which lies on the Armenia–Türkiye border, and discussed potential cooperation in transport, customs, energy, and digital infrastructure (Anadolu Ajansı, May 4). 

Both sides are still working on the processes necessary to reopen border crossings between the two countries. Ruben Rubinyan, the Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament and Special Representative for Normalization with Türkiye, stated that future steps could include opening the Gyumri–Kars railway (Hurriyet Daily News; Armenpress, May 13). The European External Action Service (EEAS) said in a press release that this development could increase trade and economic opportunities in the region and benefit the entire South Caucasus and the European Union (EEAS, May 13). Armenia and Türkiye are slowly advancing their normalization process, and economic progress, especially in trade and transit, is a major aspect of this.

Relations between Türkiye and Armenia have long been strained. The border between Armenia and Türkiye is not fully open, and diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been established due to Armenia’s territorial claims against Türkiye following the Soviet Union’s collapse (see EDM, November 2, 2022). Türkiye officially closed the Turkish–Armenian border in 1993, during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in which Türkiye supported Azerbaijan. In 2022, however, the Türkiye–Armenia border was opened for third-country citizens “visiting Türkiye and Armenia respectively,” and Yerevan and Ankara agreed to begin direct air cargo trade between the two countries (Anadolu Ajansı, July 1, 2022; see EDM, November 2, 2022). 

Over the past few years, Yerevan and Ankara have taken steps toward normalization. Both sides have agreed to the goal of developing a relationship “without preconditions” (Government of Armenia, August 2021; see EDM, January 24, 2022). In December 2021, Ankara and Yerevan agreed to appoint special representatives for the normalization process, who have held six meetings (Anadolu Ajansı, December 14, 2021; Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last updated April 15). Yerevan has stated that it has been waiting for Ankara to make the first move in advancing their normalization (CNN Türk, April 17). On May 19, Turkish Member of Parliament Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu stated in an interview with Ermeni Haber Ajansı that Türkiye seeks to maintain the upper hand and control over the situation with Armenia while also viewing the issue from an Azerbaijan-centric perspective (Ermeni Haber Ajansı, May 19).

The normalization process between Armenia and Türkiye is highly contingent on the Armenia–Azerbaijan relationship (see EDM, April 10, May 14, September 30, 2009, April 5, November 2, 2022). One of the largest sticking points in Armenia and Türkiye’s relationship today is the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 and Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive to fully gain control of Karabakh (see EDM, November 12, 30, 2020, October 2, 2023, May 6, 2024). Türkiye and Azerbaijan are often referred to as one nation, two states. This means that much of Türkiye’s stance on Armenia depends on Armenia’s relationship with Azerbaijan (Ermeni Haber Ajansı, May 19). 

The past year has seen significant progress in the peace process between Baku and Yerevan. The most notable development occurred during Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s August 2025 meeting in Washington, which led to an agreement for the development of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a corridor that will connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia’s Syunik province (see EDM, August 12, September 8, October 15, 2025). The TRIPP would enable Azerbaijan to access Nakhchivan and, by extension, Türkiye more efficiently and become a core component of the Middle Corridor (also known as the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route, or TITR) connecting the South Caucasus to Europe (see EDM, September 24, 2025). The successful implementation of TRIPP and the increase in trade through Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye that could come from it are dependent on the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process. 

On May 18, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Türkiye Rashad Mammadov stated in an interview with the Turkish news outlet Cumhuriyet that Azerbaijan is pursuing the Armenia–Türkiye normalization process in parallel with the Armenia–Azerbaijan normalization process. He claimed that the Armenia–Türkiye and Armenia–Azerbaijan land borders could be opened after Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections and constitutional referendum, in which Azerbaijan hopes Armenians will vote to reform the Armenian Constitution to remove what Baku states are “territorial claims” to Azerbaijan (see EDM, June 25, 2024, August 12, 2025; Cumhuriyet, May 18). The beginning of bilateral trade between Armenia and Türkiye is a significant step forward in their normalization process and brings additional economic opportunities for both countries. Developing transit routes through the South Caucasus to Europe, including TRIPP and the Middle Corridor, provides greater impetus to advance Türkiye and Armenia’s economic ties. Currently, Armenia’s only open land borders are with Georgia and Iran. Since the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran began in February, Armenia’s transit options via land have been largely limited to Georgia (see EDM, May 19). Bilateral trade—and, eventually, open land borders—with Türkiye will enable Armenia to diversify its trade partners and build stronger economic ties with both Türkiye and Europe.


Armenian Delegation Explores Artillery Collaboration at Indian Training Facili

shop.ssbcrack
May 23 2026

A three-member military delegation from Armenia, headed by Colonel Aram Khachatryan, Combat Cross First Class and Deputy Chief of the Artillery Department, made an official visit to the School of Artillery on May 21–22, 2026.

Throughout their visit, the delegation was provided with an in-depth look into the advanced training facilities, modern training methodologies, and operational procedures implemented at the institution. Additionally, they observed a live firing exercise designed to demonstrate the artillery’s capabilities and the standards of training being upheld.

The Armenian officials received briefings on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul procedures used at various stages to ensure the reliability and readiness of the artillery equipment currently in service.

Discussions on strengthening defence cooperation between India and Armenia in artillery and military training were held with Lieutenant General N S Sarna, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, the Commandant of the School of Artillery.

The visit underscored the deepening defence relationship and professional military collaboration between the two nations, focusing on capability development, training exchanges, and operational cooperation.