ANKARA 

Armenia and the US have commenced a joint military exercise named EAGLE PARTNER 2023, which is scheduled to last for two days, Armenian official news agency reported Monday.

The military exercise is designed to prepare Armenia and the US for participation in international peacekeeping missions, Armenpressin said.

The opening ceremony for the exercise took place at the "Zar" training center under the Peace Protection Brigade, which is affiliated with the Armenian Defense Ministry. The ceremony was attended by Major General Edvard Asryan, Chief of the Armenian General Staff, and the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, the agency said.

The exercises are aimed at increasing the readiness of the Armenian unit for the NATO-led Partnership for Peace program and evaluation of the Operational Capabilities Concept.

The drills are also meant to improve the interoperability of troops taking part in international peacekeeping missions and exchange best practices in control and tactical communication.

A total of 175 soldiers from Armenia and 85 from the US are engaged in the exercise.

*Writing by Merve Berker