Armenia and United States Sign Landmark Strategic Partnership Charter

In a historic moment for Armenia-U.S. relations, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the Charter on Strategic Partnership on [date], marking a significant milestone in the bilateral ties between the two nations. This comprehensive agreement establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation in areas critical to both countries, including economy, security, democracy, and cultural exchanges.

The newly established U.S.-Armenian Strategic Partnership Commission aims to deepen collaboration across key sectors. “We are establishing a Strategic Partnership Commission, which envisions increased cooperation in the areas of economy, security and defense, democracy, inclusivity, and people-to-people relations,” Blinken stated during the signing ceremony in Washington. The commission will guide the efforts of both nations in strengthening their partnership and ensuring mutual benefits.

Relations between Armenia and the United States have seen significant progress in the past year. Key milestones include:

• April 5, 2024: A trilateral meeting between Armenia, the United States, and the European Union to enhance regional cooperation.

• June 11, 2024: The capstone meeting of the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Dialogue held in Yerevan, which laid the groundwork for upgrading bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.

• September 2024: The Eagle Partner bilateral training exercises, emphasizing Armenia’s defense and peacekeeping capabilities.

  
  

Blinken mentioned ongoing efforts to support Armenia’s sovereignty and independence, stating, “We’re working with Armenia in the realm of security and defense to support its efforts to assert its independence and sovereignty over its own territory.”

The Charter includes provisions for enhanced economic cooperation, with a focus on innovation, technology, and energy. Armenia and the U.S. are set to begin negotiations on a "1-2-3 Agreement" for peaceful nuclear cooperation. This agreement shows their mutual dedication to nuclear non-proliferation and advancing nuclear security while building collaboration in science and technology.

“We’ve expanded cooperation across the economies and on energy,” Blinken said. “This is genuinely a milestone that opens new avenues for collaboration.”

Both leaders emphasized the importance of shared democratic values as the foundation of their partnership. Armenia’s recent domestic reforms, particularly in justice and anti-corruption, were acknowledged by the U.S. government. In 2024, Armenia’s Justice Galleon received the U.S. Anti-Corruption Champion Award for outstanding efforts in combating corruption.

Mirzoyan noted, “The strong commitment to democratic principles is at the very core of our partnership. Our bilateral agenda continues to expand and include dimensions important for the resilience and sustainable development of Armenia.”

In a significant development, Armenia announced its intention to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, becoming the 88th member of the alliance. This decision reflects Armenia’s dedication to combating global terrorism and contributing to international stability.

“We believe that collective action is essential in addressing this threat,” Mirzoyan said. “Our commitment to peace and security extends beyond our borders.”

The Charter on Strategic Partnership is not only a testament to the deepening ties between Armenia and the United States but also a roadmap for future cooperation. Both nations have expressed their commitment to pursuing ambitious goals outlined in the agreement.

“This charter lays the foundation for even deeper cooperation,” Blinken said. “It builds on our shared principles and contributes to a more resilient, peaceful, and independent South Caucasus.”

Mirzoyan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of shared values and mutual interests in driving the partnership forward. “Our relations have matured to a point where upgrading them to a strategic partnership is not only fitting but essential,” he remarked.