NATO: South Caucasus cooperation based on partners’ needs

NATO’s cooperation with Armenia and other South Caucasus states is based on partners’ individual needs and fully respects their sovereign right to determine their own foreign and security policies, according to Alexander Vinnikov, Head of NATO’s Liaison Office in Georgia and the South Caucasus.

In interviews with regional media, Vinnikov said NATO’s engagement with Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan is voluntary and shaped by the priorities of each country, stressing that states retain “full sovereign choice” in deciding the nature and scope of cooperation.

Regarding Armenia, Vinnikov noted that cooperation has developed through practical partnership frameworks focused on defence reform and capacity building, without implying any obligation or path toward NATO membership.

He added that NATO’s approach in the South Caucasus is flexible and tailored, emphasizing that the Alliance does not interfere in domestic or foreign policy decisions of partner states.