During the signing ceremony of the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that a special border security team would be dispatched to Armenia next week. This initiative aims to bolster bilateral efforts in border security and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
Blinken’s Speech:
“Next week, a special border security team will be deployed to Armenia to collaborate on enhancing border security. This step underscores our commitment to advancing security cooperation. We will also continue our engagement within the framework of the Eagle Partner format.
In a short period, we have accomplished remarkable and effective work under strong partnership relations. Thus, we are marking a significant cornerstone achievement in Armenia-U.S. relations by establishing a Strategic Partnership Commission.
This commission will serve as a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in several critical areas, including defense and security, economic development, democracy, justice, inclusivity, and interpersonal relationships.
Currently, we are conducting negotiations in the field of peaceful nuclear safety and atomic energy.”
Ararat Mirzoyan’s Speech:
Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of the document during the ceremony, stating:
“Honorable Secretary Blinken,
Your Excellencies, colleagues,
The Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter that we are signing today establishes a solid foundation and elevates our collaboration to a more ambitious level.
It encompasses numerous areas, including strengthening economic and energy ties, communications, deepening defense and security cooperation, reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting justice and the rule of law, fostering innovation and high-tech development, and expanding people-to-people contacts.
Our relations, based on shared values and mutual interests, have significantly developed in recent years. They have reached a level where the establishment of a strategic partnership not only reflects current realities but is also crucial in navigating complex geopolitical conditions.
I especially thank you, Mr. Secretary, and your team for your efforts to elevate our cooperation to a new level.
We deeply value the U.S.’s steadfast support for Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Equally important is the U.S.’s support in strengthening Armenia’s democratic institutions and fostering economic resilience.
We highly appreciate the U.S.’s engagement in promoting stability and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. We believe that a stable and prosperous South Caucasus serves the interests of all regional actors and the broader international community.
Armenia is committed to continuing close cooperation with the U.S. to achieve this shared goal. I am also pleased to announce that, in the spirit of our shared commitment to global security, Armenia intends to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, further underscoring our dedication to combating international terrorism.
We believe that joint actions are essential in addressing this threat.
Additionally, we are initiating negotiations with the U.S. on a nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the ‘123 Agreement.’ This will establish a framework for collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and demonstrate our commitment to the peaceful development of nuclear energy with the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation.
Looking forward, we aim to continue working with the new U.S. administration to realize the ambitious objectives outlined in our Strategic Partnership Charter.
Dear friends, let this Charter serve as a testament to the deepening of strategic relations between Armenia and the United States and as a roadmap toward a future filled with shared achievements.”
Conclusion:
The Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, encompassing areas such as security, democracy, economic development, and nuclear cooperation. Secretary Blinken’s announcement of the special border security team and Minister Mirzoyan’s emphasis on a stable and peaceful South Caucasus highlight the practical and strategic importance of this partnership. This milestone sets the stage for closer collaboration and shared progress.