Armenia to strengthen ties with US
Date
6/12/2024 8:14:59 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant development, the United States and Armenia have announced their mutual intention to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of "strategic partnership." This strategic collaboration will encompass various aspects, including trade, military cooperation, judicial reforms, and the promotion of democracy within Armenia.
Armenia, a landlocked country situated in the Caucasus region, has historically been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance led by Russia. However, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's decision to suspend Yerevan's membership in the CSTO, following disputes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, underscores a shift in Armenia's geopolitical alignment.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh saw the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in 2020, following Azerbaijan's successful reclaiming of disputed territories from Armenian control. Pashinyan's acknowledgment of Baku's sovereignty over the region marked a significant departure from previous Armenian positions.
Recent developments indicate a burgeoning partnership between Armenia and the United States. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan hosted US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia James O'Brien in Yerevan, where discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation and Armenia's aspirations for closer ties with Euro-Atlantic institutions and the West.
A joint statement issued during the meeting emphasized both countries' commitment to shared democratic values and the mutual goal of fostering a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful Armenia. Plans to upgrade relations in the coming year include expanding commercial and trade ties, enhancing cooperation on sanctions and export controls, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in nuclear energy and renewable resources to bolster Armenia's food security and energy independence.
Furthermore, the United States has pledged to support Armenia's defense transformation efforts through ongoing partnerships with entities such as the Kansas National Guard. Additionally, assistance will be provided to Armenian law enforcement agencies to enhance accountability and sustainability within the country's policing framework.
The announcement of a strategic partnership between the United States and Armenia signifies a significant step forward in bilateral relations, with both nations poised to collaborate closely across various sectors for mutual benefit and regional stability.
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