James O’Brien, Deputy Secretary of the European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of the US State Department, summarized the results of the tripartite meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“The US Secretary of State and the President of the European Commission began by emphasizing that they strongly support Armenia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also noted our admiration for the democratic reforms that have taken place in Armenia since the 2018 Velvet Revolution. We have witnessed significant reforms and efforts aimed at building a global economy and political system that will reflect the democratic aspirations of the people of Armenia. Our goal is to continue in the same spirit,” O’Brien emphasized during the press conference.
He reminded that this meeting takes place in the context of continuous efforts towards the conclusion of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“This meeting was dedicated to the reforms taking place in Armenia, but we certainly called on Armenia to continue the path of peace and try to reach a final agreement with Azerbaijan.
This is the best way to ensure security and prosperity in the region in the long term, particularly the new trade routes that could pave the way from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. We welcome all these steps. The Secretary of State emphasized that progress in political reform creates the conditions for an inclusive government that will respond to the will of its people and promote diversity and partnership around the world,” said O’Brien.
He emphasized that the US will continue to support the reforms implemented in Armenia.
“In total, as the Secretary of State noted, we provided $65 million in aid last fiscal year. There are specific funds that have been directed to various programs, both humanitarian and economic reforms, and to assist Armenia in reforming its administrative structures and building a strong future,” O’Brian noted.
According to him, the tripartite meeting allowed a very open exchange of opinions about the problems facing Armenia and the role that more active cooperation and support from the USA and the European Union can play in providing this aid.
“There are many examples of such assistance, around the diversification of Armenia’s economy, political reforms and humanitarian aid,” concluded O’Brian.
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