Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Ministry of Defense and introduced the newly appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, First Deputy Minister of Defense Edvard Asryan to the top-ranking officers of the Armed Forces.

In his speech the Prime Minister particularly said,

“Dear Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia,

Dear representatives of the command staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia,

Dear Deputy Ministers,

I am here today to introduce the newly appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, First Deputy Minister of Defense Edvrad Asryan.

First, I would like to thank Lieutenant General Kamo Kochunts for performing the duties of the Chief of General Staff for the past six months. I would like to wish Mr. Asryan success in fulfilling his mission in this important position.

You already know that certain legislative changes have also taken place, and the Chief of the General Staff will also be the First Deputy Minister of Defense from the moment the law enters into force, with the consequences arising from this. We made this decision by analyzing a number of events that have taken place in the recent years, including the issues of cooperation between the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. I think, naturally, the right decision has been made. I want to express my hope that as a result of the implementation of this decision, the effectiveness of our work in the field of the Armed Forces, army reforms will become even more effective.

Mr. Kochunts, once again let me thank you for the work done and to wish Mr. Asryan success in this important position."

First Deputy Minister of Defense, newly appointed Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Edvard Asryan said,

“Honorable Mr. Prime Minister,

Dear Mr. Minister,

Dear colleagues,

The primary task of the Armed Forces is to ensure the military security of the state, therefore, assuming this responsible position, also considering that the Staff is a collegial body, and the Chief of the General Staff is the first deputy to the Minister of Defense, we will work in the General Staff based on the principle of collegiality, definitely by the decision of the Chief of the General Staff and will present proposals to the Minister of Defense. In that responsible position, Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, I undertake to fulfill all the envisaged functional duties and fulfill the tasks set before the Armed Forces."

Then the Prime Minister gave the floor to the Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, who said,

“Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

Mr. Generals, officers,

Let me congratulate the Chief of the General Staff, Mr. Asryan, on the occasion of his appointment as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, the First Deputy Minister of Defense, and wish him fruitful activity. I want to thank Lieutenant General Kamo Kochunts for honorably fulfilling the duties of Chief of General Staff in the recent period."

Then, according to the established procedure, the solemn ceremony of transfering the position of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces took place. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan handed over the military flag of the Armed Forces to the newly appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Edvard Asryan.