The joint Armenia-U.S. military exercise Eagle Partner 2024 commenced at the Military Academy named after Vazgen Sargsyan of Armenia's Defense Ministry on Monday.

The opening ceremony was attended by Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien, along with other dignitaries, the Defense Ministry said in a press release.

The national anthems of Armenia and the United States, as well as the anthem of the Eagle Partner exercise, were performed. Suren Papikyan and Kristina Kvien delivered welcoming speeches to the military personnel participating in the exercises.

The Armenian defense chief, in his speech, particularly noted:

"I highly appreciate the work of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard, which has been a partner of Armenia for more than two decades. I also commend the military personnel of the Peacekeeping Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, representatives of the U.S. Embassy, and employees of the RA Ministry of Defense who participated in the effective planning of these exercises.

I highly value this cooperation, which is aimed at enhancing the level of interoperability between units participating in international peacekeeping missions within the framework of peacekeeping operations."

The opening ceremony concluded with a ceremonial march.

In the framework of preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions the Armenia-U.S. joint exercise Eagle Partner 2024 will be held from 15 to 24 July in Armenia.

Servicemembers from the peacekeeping brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard will participate in the exercise.

The exercise will focus on stabilization tasks between conflicting parties during a peacekeeping mission.

The purpose of the exercise is to enhance the interoperability of units participating in international peacekeeping missions, exchange best practices in control and tactical communication, and improve the readiness of the Armenian unit.

Units preparing for international peacekeeping operations regularly engage in similar joint military exercises and training with partner countries.