Text of Strategic Partnership Document Between Armenia and the USA Published

On January 14, the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America took place at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The document was signed on behalf of Armenia by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on behalf of the USA. Below is the full text of the Agreement.

Strategic Partnership Agreement Between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America

Introduction

The Republic of Armenia and the United States of America confirm the significance of their friendly and strategic partnership relations. They aim to deepen their partnership for the benefit of both countries and broaden cooperation across a wide range of mutual priorities.

They emphasize that this cooperation between two democratic countries is based on common values and shared interests. These include promoting democracy and economic freedom, protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, supporting innovation and technological advancement, as well as enhancing energy security.

They emphasize their mutual desire to strengthen relations in diplomatic, economic, energy, high-tech, educational, scientific, cultural, legal, defense, and security sectors.

Section I: Principles of Partnership

This Agreement is based on fundamental principles and convictions shared by both parties. Support for each other's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity is the foundation of bilateral relations.

The friendship of the parties stems from a common commitment to democratic values and the conviction that democracy is the primary foundation of political legitimacy and, therefore, stability. Cooperation between democratic partners will contribute to the promotion of peace and stability.

A strong, independent, sovereign, and democratic Armenia that can protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders is key to lasting security and prosperity in the region.

Ongoing democratic and economic reforms in Armenia can fully unlock the creative potential of its hardworking citizens, thereby stimulating prosperity across the region and beyond.

The United States welcomes Armenia's efforts to deepen its political, economic, security, and social ties with other countries in the Euro-Atlantic community and the broader democratic community.

Dignified and lasting peace is fundamental for a stable and prosperous future in the South Caucasus. The United States supports the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the demarcation process based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.

The United States also supports the unblocking of regional transportation communications in the South Caucasus based on the sovereignty and jurisdiction of countries. Recognizing that the movement of goods and people beyond national borders fosters interdependence and mutually beneficial relations among neighbors, the United States aims to continue encouraging the normalization of relations between Armenia and its neighbors.

Section II: Economic, Trade, Transportation, and Energy Cooperation

Armenia and the United States intend to enhance cooperation to promote job creation and economic growth, support economic/market reforms and liberalization, promote transportation communications, improve the bilateral business environment, and ensure market access to goods and services. The parties recognize that fair, worker-centered, and sustainable trade is essential to resilient supply chains and for promoting equitable development, freedom, and prosperity.

The United States supports Armenia's efforts to integrate into the global economy. Acknowledging the importance of increasing trade and investment in economic growth and development, Armenia and the United States intend to explore strategic opportunities for increasing bilateral trade and investment.

Recognizing the importance of a viable, resilient, and secure market-oriented energy sector, Armenia and the United States intend to explore opportunities for diversification and growth in Armenia's energy production and supply. This includes the development of a civil nuclear energy program consistent with the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation, efforts to promote energy security and efficiency, including a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in Armenia's energy balance, as well as measures aimed at enhancing Armenia's energy connectivity with regional and European markets.

Armenia and the United States intend to initiate a working group to strengthen the implementation of export controls on dual-use goods, harmonize policy frameworks, and exchange information. Armenia and the United States also intend to engage in dialogue to expand access to U.S. Commerce Department-controlled technologies for reliable companies operating in Armenia.

Understanding the importance of trade diversification in addressing food security issues and stimulating economic growth, Armenia and the United States intend to explore cooperation opportunities in areas that support the strengthening of the trade environment for agricultural products.

Given Armenia's landlocked status and the multilayered challenges posed by limited access to global trade markets, Armenia and the United States intend to deepen cooperation aimed at integrating Armenia into broader regional transportation networks and connectivity initiatives, particularly through strong political support and promotion of Armenia's