President Serzh Sarkisian and Charles Kupchan, the Special Assistant to the U.S. President and National Security Council Senior Director for Europe. (Source: Public Radio of Armenia)
YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — On January 14, Armenian President Serzh Sarkisan along with Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with Charles Kupchan, the Special Assistant to the U.S. President and National Security Council Senior Director for Europe.
Sarkisian welcomed the visit and stated that these meetings have a positive impact on the development of inter-state relations in all aspects.
He stressed that the Armenian-American ties have been steadily developing ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. for support to Armenia, which has resulted in achievements in different fields.
President Sarkisian added importance to the continuous efforts of the U.S. to contribute to Armenia’s economic development, implementation of reforms, advancement of democracy and civil society, as well as establishment of stability in the region.
During the meeting, cooperation in the field of security was brought up, referring to Armenia-NATO relations, Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping missions, urgent international issues, the situation in the region, negotiations on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and the perspectives of development of Armenia-EU relations.
Kupchan noted that the U.S. value Armenia’s commitment to contributing to global peace and security and praised the country’s willingness to contribute to the efforts of NATO and other organizations.
During Kupchan’s meeting with Nalbandian, he said, “I am glad for this opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen our existing strong and multifaceted relationship, and achieve our shared aim of a free, prosperous, and secure Armenia at peace with its neighbors.”
Kupchan also noted that the year 2015 was quite dynamic based on the progress that had been made in the development of bilateral relations which included the agreement on visa-free regime between Armenia and the U.S. entered into force, the Armenia-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that was signed in May, and the first meeting of Armenia-U.S. Council on Trade and Investment. Armenian-U.S. Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation was also assembled.
International and regional issues, fight against terrorism, ways to conflict resolution, and range of issues on Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping operations were also discussed.
Nalbandian and Kupchan brought up the ongoing negotiation process on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Nalbandian stressed that together with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia will continue exerting joint efforts to exceptionally peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Source: Asbarez
Link: U.S. Value Armenia’s Willingness to Promote Global Security
