Video: Footage from the Meeting Between Pashinyan and Pelosi – What Was Discussed
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi at the government headquarters. This information was reported by the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia.
In his welcoming remarks, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated, “This is truly an unprecedented visit from the U.S. to Armenia, and we appreciate that. I would like to express our gratitude to you personally, Madam Speaker, for your personal efforts and contributions in recognizing the Armenian Genocide on behalf of the United States, as well as for the efforts of your delegation. This is genuinely appreciated, and considering this fact alone, all Armenians regard you as a reliable friend of Armenia. However, I want to continue with words of gratitude because I also want to thank you for the United States' support for Armenian democracy, as that is also very important to us. We see the U.S. government's willingness to support the democratic agenda in our country. I want to express our commitment to the agenda of democratic reforms, even though, as you can see, it is not an easy path at all. Another fact I would like to mention is that we appreciate the clear stance of the United States regarding Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia. Of course, the clear statements from the U.S. government are commendable, because that is very important for us. You are aware that the UN Security Council has discussed the current situation, and we hope, and that is our position, that this situation should continue to remain on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and in this regard, of course, we rely on U.S. support.
“Madam Speaker, allow me once again to welcome you and your delegation. I am confident that today we will be able to conduct effective negotiations. I am very pleased with this opportunity.”
For her part, Nancy Pelosi noted, “Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for your warm words of welcome and for the recognition of the tremendous work done by my colleagues in this delegation. Supporting democracy in Armenia, the resolution on recognizing the Armenian Genocide, responding to Turkey regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and in all other aspects, we are friends of Armenia. We are here to respect your government. Last year, elections were held that were deemed free and fair, and your remarkable victory under the circumstances of war and other challenges. The thing is that when we typically visit any country, it is for the purpose of showing respect, listening, and learning, but I can sincerely say that this delegation from the U.S. has brought with it the love of the American people, respect for your government, and love for the people of Armenia. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Subsequently, the parties discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to Armenian-American partnership and the further development of cooperation in various directions. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the Armenian Government will continue its consistent steps towards strengthening democracy and developing democratic institutions. The head of the executive praised the U.S. assistance in promoting the rich reform agenda of the Armenian government.
Nikol Pashinyan and Nancy Pelosi addressed issues related to Azerbaijan's aggression against Armenia's sovereign territory and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from Armenian territory. Opportunities for unblocking transport infrastructure in the region and issues regarding the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were also discussed. The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives assured that the American side will continue to actively contribute to the further expansion of bilateral multifaceted cooperation and programs aimed at the development of democracy in Armenia.