U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has confirmed reports that a U.S. Army resident adviser will work at Armenia’s Ministry of Defense.

In an interview with Hetq, Zeya said it is a welcome development and urged the media to follow up on the matter with the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.

“We welcome deepening defense and civilian security cooperation between the U.S. and Armenia. This is part of the spirit embodied in the historic upgrade in U.S. Armenia relations to a strategic partnership,” the diplomat said.