U.S. wants to upgrade relations with Armenia
Posted on June. 21. 2024
U.S. deputy foreign minister James O’Brien met Mirzoyan on Tuesday to launch the AM-US Strategic Dialogue session. They were joined by a large group of delegates representing various fields.
MIRZOYAN: The strong commitment to democratic principles is at the very core of our partnership. Despite the fact that democracy is threatened globally, including in our region, the Government of Armenia is decisive to follow the democratic choice of its people, to strengthen the relevant state institutions. I do believe that our like-minded partners and namely the USA fully support and stand with us to prove that democracies are capable of delivering.
In order to succeed, we should deepen multidimensional cooperation in economy, energy, defense and security, high tech and cyber security, justice and the rule of law, etc.
The bilateral agenda continues to expand and include dimensions critical for the resilience of Armenia. I want to recall the AM-US-EU meeting on April 5 in Brussels and the arrangements indicated in the joint press statement.
We also believe that our enhanced partnership, along with the continued U.S. support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Armenia, holds the potential to contribute to the establishment of durable and dignified peace in the South Caucasus.
In this context, I want to reiterate that Armenia remains strongly committed to the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and border delimitation based on the mutual recognition of territorial integrity in accordance with the 1991 Alma- Ata Declaration. We believe there is a real opportunity, a historical momentum to finalize the draft peace treaty, the signing of which could open the door for lasting peace in the region.
As part of the peace agenda and vision for regional development, Armenia is also strongly interested in unblocking all regional communications based on full respect for countries’ sovereignty and jurisdiction and the principles of equality and reciprocity, as underpinned by our Government’s initiative of “Crossroads of Peace”.
… Mirzoyan about today’s meeting
Coming to the agenda of today’s meeting, we have a wide array of concrete steps and plans to discuss ranging from economic and energy diversification to defense and justice reforms.
We have been efficient in utilizing three working groups under the auspices of Armenia-US Strategic Dialogue and holding relevant meetings in 2023.
Considering the growing nature and dynamics of bilateral relations, we are hopeful to upgrade our Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic Partnership Commission that could further enhance the structured approach to our multifaceted cooperation.
… Mirzoyan lists the areas of cooperation
On sectoral cooperation:
• With the participation of our relevant agencies, we will have a chance to review growing economic cooperation, including in the framework of the Armenia-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and further trade liberalization, that could bring more prosperity, development and opportunities for the Armenian economy and make it more resilient. I believe there are additional mechanisms and effective tools to support economic diversification and we will discuss how to make the best use of them.
• Given the current challenges, energy diversification is also an important part of our agenda, and we will review the work already done and look into perspectives, including in the fields of nuclear energy and renewables.
• In defense cooperation: it is with satisfaction that I note the holding of the Eagle Partner exercise in 2023. We are interested in further exploring possibilities for cooperation for Armenia’s defense transformation.
• I would also like to stress justice and public sector reforms and Armenia’s commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, aimed at building a stronger, more secure, and advanced environment for our citizens. We have made significant progress, the results are tangible and visible.
… from James O’Brien’s opening speech
• The size of the delegation shows how extensive the agenda is. The US-AM relations are developing.
• Armenian people have chosen democracy and reforms and rejected attempts to revert it. PM Pashinyan has led an impressive effort to implement reforms. This will allow Armenia to better integrate with the global economy. The US is happy to help.
• The political development of Armenia reflects the democratic aspirations of the people of Armenia and we’re very encouraged that the government has made significant strides to make the rule of law foundational and to allow people to express their views democratically.
• During the April 5 Brussels meeting, Pashinyan and Blinken discussed growing bilateral AM-US trade and an opportunity to grow Armenia’s share in the global trade.
• The US and AM will sign an agreement on customs cooperation and exchange of information today. It will unlock new opportunities for trade and business in the coming years. This is part of the promise we discussed on April 5.
• The US is encouraged by the big steps towards reforms and anti-corruption implemented by the Armenian government, some with the help of the US.
• Mayors of several US cities came as part of the large delegation to discuss cooperation with their Armenian colleagues, so the AM-US cooperation goes beyond central governments.
• The US is working towards lasting peace, security, and economic opportunities for the regions from Central Asia to the Mediterranean.
• Brandon Yoder, the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, recently visited Armenia to discuss cooperation.
• We are going to step up the work together on security and defense. [tell us more about it]
• In 2023 Armenia and US held the Eagle Partner joint exercises.
• US also wants to cooperate in border security, cybersecurity, food security, etc.
• The US-AM cooperation in these areas is stronger than ever. The plan is to upgrade the Strategic “Dialogue” to “Partnership” to build the cooperation at a deeper level.
• The US delegation includes ranking State Department officials, generals, Defense Department officials, officials from the border security program, USAID, law enforcement agencies, commerce, customs, etc.
• The talks will last several days.
… O’Brien about today’s meeting
• Today’s Strategic Dialogue with FM Mirzoyan underscores our deepening bilateral partnership with Armenia. Our discussions focused on democratic development, economic diversification, defense reforms, and Euro-Atlantic cooperation.