The U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue Capstone meeting took place on June 11, 2024, in Yerevan. Hosted by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James C. O’Brien, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, boosting economic cooperation, and supporting Armenia’s democratic reforms.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the Capstone meeting, Armenia and the United States assessed the progress made in strengthening their bilateral relations and outlined plans for future collaboration. This discussion culminated in an agreement to formalize their dialogue through a Memorandum of Understanding, upgrading it to a Strategic Partnership Commission.
“Cooperation to support Armenia’s reforms and democratic progress has been positively assessed,”
said Assistant Secretary O’Brien.
This partnership aims to reinforce Armenia’s aspirations for closer ties with Euro-Atlantic institutions and the West.
Key Points
- The dialogue will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding.
- Focus on supporting Armenia’s reforms and democratic progress.
- Emphasis on Armenia’s closer cooperation with Euro-Atlantic institutions.
Economic and Energy Resilience
Economic cooperation was a central theme of the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. Delegations discussed joint efforts to bolster mutual prosperity and energy resilience. Notably, U.S.-Armenia trade turnover has quadrupled since 2020. Both sides committed to expanding commercial and trade ties and enhancing cooperation on sanctions and export controls.
The discussions also focused on Armenia’s energy independence and food security. They explored U.S. commercial solutions in nuclear energy and renewables, aiming to fortify Armenia’s energy sector.
Key Economic Cooperation Areas
Area |
Focus |
|---|---|
| Trade Expansion | Quadrupled trade turnover, advanced technology |
| Energy Independence | Nuclear energy, renewables |
| Food Security | U.S. commercial solutions |
Furthermore, the United States acknowledged Armenia’s challenges in supporting displaced persons and refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, committing continued assistance.
Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation
Security cooperation is a cornerstone of the U.S.-Armenia partnership. The Capstone meeting highlighted U.S. assistance in Armenia’s defense transformation and law enforcement development. Participants acknowledged the success of initiatives such as Exercise Eagle Partner 2023 and the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.
Future cooperation plans include formal U.S.-Armenia Bilateral Defense Consultations to regularize defense cooperation objectives. This initiative will build on the successful establishment of Armenia’s Patrol Police, which achieved nationwide coverage in 2023.
Security Initiatives
- Exercise Eagle Partner 2023.
- International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.
- Formal U.S.-Armenia Bilateral Defense Consultations.
The United States appreciates Armenia’s contributions to global peacekeeping operations and looks forward to further collaboration in this area.
Promoting Justice and Democratic Institutions
The dialogue also addressed ongoing cooperation in the justice sector. The United States has played a significant role in Armenia’s justice reform efforts, supporting institutions focused on anti-corruption and judicial independence.
Planned programming will support victims and witnesses, ensuring access to justice. Additionally, efforts will be made to develop a robust civil society and an independent media environment, further strengthening Armenia’s democratic institutions.
Democratic Support Initiatives
- Anti-corruption and transnational crime efforts.
- Judicial impartiality and integrity.
- Support for civil society and independent media.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, pledging to work together to promote these values.
Conclusion
The U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue Capstone meeting underscored the strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations. Through enhanced economic cooperation, security assistance, and democratic support, the United States and Armenia are poised to build a stronger partnership. This meeting highlighted the shared goal of fostering a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful Armenia.
As both nations continue to collaborate, they aim to create a resilient future that reflects their mutual dedication to democratic principles and regional stability.
Sources: THX News & US Department of State.
