The Secretary of the Navy of the United States of America, Ray Mabus, met with Armenian Minister of Defense, the Honorable Seyran Ohanian, in Yerevan today.  The two discussed regional and global security issues and opportunities for greater cooperation.

Secretary Mabus expressed his deep appreciation for Armenia's contributions to our shared mission in Afghanistan and to peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.  Mabus also discussed the importance of defense reform, peacekeeping operations and training, as well as the professionalization of the non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps.  Mabus discussed cooperation with U.S. Marine Forces Europe through the Black Sea Rotational Forces.

"I am grateful for the warm and gracious hospitality of the Armenian people," said Mabus.  "We value our engagement with Armenia and my visit here underscores the importance of the South Caucasus region."

Mabus is the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy.  As Secretary of the Navy, he leads America’s Navy and Marine Corps and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and almost 900,000 people. Mabus was appointed by President Obama in 2009.