Armenia and the US Can Work Together to Prevent Genocides and Promote Human Rights: US State Department

The Armenian Embassy in the US hosted representatives from the executive and legislative branches, foreign ambassadors, and the Armenian-American community in honor of Ambassador Varoujan Nersessian's completion of his diplomatic mission in the United States.

According to Jackie Speier, co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, outgoing Ambassador Nersessian faced significant challenges, especially during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Along with fellow co-chair Frank Pallone, she attended a reception organized at the Armenian Embassy in Washington marking the conclusion of Ambassador Nersessian's tenure.

In her speech, Congressman Speier emphasized the considerable efforts made to secure American assistance. “I am proud to say that with your support, we have increased funding for demining and humanitarian aid in Armenia,” she stated. She also highlighted the importance of the US recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Among the many guests at the reception were representatives from the US State Department and the Pentagon. Acting Deputy Secretary John Armstrong praised the work of the Ambassador and the Armenian diplomatic mission, particularly noting Nersessian's support during the US President's recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “We must recognize the truth even when it is painful,” emphasized the senior American diplomat, who also expressed condolences on behalf of the State Department for the victims of last year's war.

Ambassador Nersessian noted that the two nations have closely collaborated in multiple areas, including regional and global security, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and peacekeeping missions. He emphasized that there is a special connection between the US and Armenia based on shared values, durable friendship, and mutual trust.