Nikol Pashinyan Hosts US Deputy Secretary of State

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of State Erika Olson. The Prime Minister welcomed the US delegation and noted that the Armenian government values and appreciates the friendly relations established between Armenia and the United States.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, the strategic dialogue between Armenia and the United States began in 2019, aimed at further developing and advancing the relations. “I want to emphasize the role of the US government in promoting democratic reforms taking place in Armenia. Recently, we have recorded concrete results in this regard, namely the establishment of the Patrol Police,” said the head of the government.

Prime Minister Pashinyan also praised the US's role in the return of 15 Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan in June of this year, expressing satisfaction that the US continues to make efforts in this direction.

During the meeting, the parties discussed processes occurring in the South Caucasus region, the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, the return of Armenian prisoners and captives held in Azerbaijan, as well as various issues related to democratic reforms in Armenia.

Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the importance of the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, the recent organization of a meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in New York, and the expected visit of the co-chairs to the region.

Pashinyan highlighted the necessity of returning the captives held in Azerbaijan and noted that Azerbaijan continues to violate the relevant provisions of the declaration dated November 9, 2020. The Prime Minister also addressed the possibilities of opening regional communications and the demarcation and delimitation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, presenting clear positions of our country.

Nikol Pashinyan also spoke about the government’s further programs and steps aimed at the development of democratic institutions, emphasizing that our country will continue to move decisively and steadfastly towards the development and strengthening of democracy.

US Deputy Secretary of State Erika Olson mentioned the United States' readiness to contribute to resolving humanitarian issues in the region, as well as the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship. At the same time, she highlighted the American side's interest in continuing to support the Armenian government in democratic reforms.