Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan have signed a Strategic Partnership Commission Charter, marking a significant development in U.S.-Armenia relations. The ceremony highlighted the expansion of bilateral cooperation across several key areas, including economic matters, security and defense, democracy, justice, inclusion, and people-to-people exchanges.
Blinken emphasized the importance of this partnership by stating, "This commission gives us a framework to expand our bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas: economic matters, security and defense, democracy, justice, inclusion, and people-to-people exchanges." He also noted ongoing negotiations for a 123 Agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
The collaboration extends into security efforts as well. Blinken announced that next month a Customs and Border Patrol team will travel to Armenia to work on border security capacity building. Additionally, Armenia intends to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
On domestic reforms within Armenia, Blinken acknowledged the progress made under Prime Minister Pashinyan's government. He praised Justice Galyan's anti-corruption efforts with an Anti-Corruption Champion Award from the U.S. Department of State.
Foreign Minister Mirzoyan expressed gratitude towards the United States for its support in strengthening Armenia’s democratic institutions and promoting economic resilience. "Our relations...have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years," he stated. He reiterated Armenia's commitment to peace in the South Caucasus region and mentioned upcoming negotiations on nuclear cooperation with the United States.
Mirzoyan further commented on joining global efforts against terrorism: "In the spirit of shared commitment to global security...Armenia intends to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS."
The signing ceremony concluded with applause as both leaders formalized their countries' strategic partnership aimed at fostering mutual growth and stability.
