WASHINGTON, DC — Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in a signing ceremony for the Strategic Partnership Charter at the Department of State in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.
“We are creating a Strategic Partnership Commission, which involves expanding cooperation in the areas of economy, security and defense, democracy, inclusiveness, and people-to-people relations,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken stated that efforts are underway with Armenia to strengthen the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also announced that a special U.S. border security team will arrive in Armenia next week to conduct joint border security work.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “The Strategic Partnership Charter provides a robust framework and injects greater ambition into our cooperation.” The Charter spans various areas, including:
-Strengthening economic and energy ties
-Enhancing connectivity
-Deepening defense and security cooperation
-Reinforcing democratic institutions
-Promoting justice and the rule of law
-Fostering innovation and high technologies
-Enhancing people-to-people contacts
“Our relations, based on shared values and mutual interests, have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. They have matured to a point where upgrading them to a strategic partnership is not only fitting but essential for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape,” Minister Mirzoyan stated.
Minister Mirzoyan expressed gratitude for the United States’ unwavering support for Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also emphasized the importance of U.S. assistance in strengthening Armenia’s democratic institutions and promoting economic resilience.
“We appreciate the U.S.’s engagement in promoting a durable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus region. We believe that a stable and prosperous South Caucasus is in the interest of all regional actors and the broader international community. Armenia remains committed to a peace agenda and its implementation and to working closely with the U.S. to achieve this shared objective,” the Foreign Minister said.
Minister Mirzoyan announced Armenia’s intention to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, underscoring Armenia’s dedication to combating international terrorism. “We believe that collective action is essential in addressing this threat,” he noted.
He also revealed plans to commence negotiations on a nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S., commonly known as the 123 Agreement. This framework will facilitate collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and reaffirm Armenia’s commitment to safety, security, and non-proliferation standards.
“Looking ahead, we are eager to continue working with the U.S. to fulfill the ambitious goals outlined in our Strategic Partnership Charter. Let this Charter serve as a testament to the deepening strategic relations between Armenia and the United States and as a roadmap for a future filled with shared achievements,” Minister Mirzoyan concluded.
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