Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has received the delegation headed by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi within the government.
In his welcome remarks, Prime Minister Pashinyan said, in particular:
“Madam Speaker, dear colleagues, allow me to warmly welcome you to our country, to our government. This is truly an unprecedented visit from the US to Armenia, and we appreciate that. I would like to express our gratitude personally to you, Madam Speaker, for your personal efforts and contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the US, as well as for the efforts of your delegation.
“That is truly highly appreciated, and even taking only that fact into account, all Armenians consider you a trusted friend of Armenia. But I wish to continue with words of gratitude, because I also wish to express gratitude for the US support directed at Armenian democracy, since that too is very important for us.
We see the readiness of the US government to support the democratic agenda in our country. I wish to express our commitment to the agenda of democratic reforms, despite the fact that, as you see, it is not such an easy path.
“Another fact I wished to mention: we appreciate the clear position of the US regarding Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia. Of course, the clear formulations by the US government are commendable, because that is very important for us.
“You are aware that the UN Security Council has discussed the current situation, and we hope, and that is our position, that this situation should continue to remain on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and in this regard, of course, we rely on US support.”
In turn, Nancy Pelosi said: “Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for the warm words of welcome and for the appreciation of the enormous work done by my colleagues who are members of this delegation. Support for democracy in Armenia, the resolution on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the response to Turkey on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and in all other respects we are friends of Armenia. We are here out of respect for your government.
“Last year elections took place that were assessed as free and fair, and your wonderful victory under conditions of war and other circumstances. And the point is that when we usually visit any country, those visits have the purpose of showing respect, listening and learning, but I can honestly say that this delegation that came from the US to Armenia has brought with it the love of the American people, respect for your government and love for the people of Armenia.”
Afterwards, the interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues relating to Armenian-American partnership and the further development of cooperation in various directions.
Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasised that the government of the Republic of Armenia will continue its consistent steps towards strengthening democracy and developing democratic institutions. The head of the executive highly appreciated US assistance in advancing the rich reform agenda of the RA government.
Nikol Pashinyan and Nancy Pelosi touched upon issues relating to the attack by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of Armenia and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
Issues relating to the possibilities of unblocking the region’s roads and infrastructure, and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were discussed.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives assured that the American side will continue to practically contribute to the further expansion of bilateral multi-sectoral interaction and to programmes directed at the development of democracy in Armenia.
