U.S. and Armenia Sign Two Joint Action Plans on Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Reforms

U.S. and Armenian delegations on Tuesday discussed issues related to border security, and partnership in the defense and security sector through disaster management, defense reform, medical support, and peacekeeping, Turan's Washington correspondent reports.

According to a joint statement released by the U.S. and Armenian governments on the occasion of the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue, the delegations of two countries "exchanged views on security matters and noted the U.S,’ role as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has a mandate to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

As TURAN reported yesterday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan to launch the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. During the Dialogue, the U.S and Armenia "reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across the breadth of the bilateral relationship" the State Department said.

The Armenian delegation included Deputy Minister of Justice Grigor Minasyan, Deputy Central Bank Governor Nerses Yeritsyan, and Ministry of Defense officials.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried and several leaders from throughout the Departments of State and Defense also participated in the session. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy was in Washington as well, joined by Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Lilit Makunts.

According to the joint statement, Donfried reaffirmed the U.S. would continue its robust assistance and cooperation to the Armenian government in building responsive democratic and economic institutions that both reflect our common values and deliver better governance and prosperity.

The delegations had a robust dialogue on U.S. assistance to support Armenia’s positive democratic trajectory. This includes programs to support human rights, media literacy, social protection, justice sector reforms, and the new Patrol Police Service.

The delegations also discussed advancing judicial impartiality and strengthening freedom of expression. Mechanisms to promote mutual prosperity in the economic sphere were also a key topic of discussion, including energy cooperation and workforce development to promote and deepen bilateral trade and investment.

Mirzoyan and the Armenian delegation also had constructive meetings with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, and many others.

During their time in Washington, delegation members signed a number of documents, including a Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding that will serve as a mechanism through which our governments can develop stronger ties between our nuclear experts, industries, and researchers. The United States and Armenia also signed two joint action plans on anti-corruption and law enforcement reforms, reads the joint statement.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.