In recent days, multiple U.S. government officials have visited Armenia or stated their intent to visit in the coming days, some citing the upcoming U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue, among other meetings and events. These dignitaries include U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien, U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Nina Hachigian, and others.
During his visit to Armenia, Assistant Secretary James O’Brien met with Nikol Pashinyan, FM Ararat Mirzoyan, and other stakeholders. According to reports from the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the meetings aimed to underscore the importance of the U.S.-Armenian bilateral relationship and to reaffirm U.S. support for progress on a durable and dignified peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the use of the Alma Ata declaration as a basis for border delimitation.
The U.S. Embassy in Armenia also reported that Ambassador Kvien and Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Rustam Badasyan signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) between the US and Armenia during the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. This agreement aims to enhance mutual goals of strengthening border security while promoting the movement of legitimate trade. CMAAs are bilateral agreements between the United States and its international partners, enforced by their respective customs administrations.
O’Brien and Mirzoyan also co-chaired the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan. The meeting between Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Assistant Secretary O’Brien took place at the Foreign Ministry of Armenia at the start of the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Dialogue session.
These developments come shortly after Armenian authorities, with confirmation from the Russian government in May, announced the withdrawal of Russian border guards from the regions of Tavush, Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, and Ararat.
