Video: Joint Statement on Armenia-US Strategic Dialogue

In connection with the concluding session of the Armenia-US Strategic Dialogue (May 2-3), the parties issued the following joint statement presented below.

On May 2, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to kick off the Armenia-US strategic dialogue. During the dialogue, Armenia and the US reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in all directions.

This phase of discussions in the framework of the Armenia-US strategic dialogue coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the US. The delegations positively assessed the current level of bilateral ties and reflected on the potential for expanding partnership.

The Armenian delegation included Deputy Minister of Justice Grigor Minasyan, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Nerses Yeritsyan, and officials from the Ministry of Defense. Also present at the Armenia-US strategic dialogue session were Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried and several senior officials from the State Department and the Department of Defense.

The Armenian ambassador to the US, Lilit Makunts, and the US ambassador to Armenia, Lynne Tracy, were also in attendance. Assistant Secretary Donfried reaffirmed that the United States would continue its strong support and cooperation with the Armenian government in building responsible democratic and economic institutions that reflect shared values and ensure more effective governance and prosperity.

The delegations had a comprehensive dialogue regarding US support for strengthening Armenia's positive democratic path. This included programs in human rights, media literacy, social protection, justice reforms, and support for the new police patrol service. The delegations also discussed issues related to enhancing the independence of the judiciary and freedom of speech.

Key topics of discussion included mechanisms promoting mutual prosperity in the economic sector, including energy cooperation and workforce development, aimed at boosting and deepening bilateral ties in trade and investment.

Security, Peace, and Resolution of Regional Conflicts

The two delegations discussed issues related to border security and partnership in defense and security through disaster management, defense reforms, medical assistance, and peacekeeping. The delegations exchanged views on security issues and noted the role of the US as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, endowed with a mandate to promote the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Aiming for Tangible Results

Minister Mirzoyan and the Armenian delegation held constructive meetings with Samantha Power, Administrator of the US Agency for International Development, Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and others. While in Washington, delegation members signed several documents, including one on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy, which will serve as a mechanism through which the two governments can solidify contacts among nuclear sector experts, industry, and researchers. Armenia and the United States also signed two joint action plans on anti-corruption and reforms in law enforcement.