YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian people and the government highly assess the friendly partnership with the USA, “Armenpress” reports Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian announced at a photo exhibition at the MFA Armenia dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the USA.

“The assistance provided by the USA to Armenia for the reinforcement of democratic institutions, electoral processes and civil society is of great importance. High level mutual visits have given new impetus to the development of inter-state relations”, Armenian top diplomat said.

Minister Nalbandian stressed the activities of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, which has consistently supported the strengthening of cooperation between the two states and raised issues of key importance for Armenia and Armenian people at the legislative body of the USA.

Speaking about the quarter century history of Armenian-American relations, the Armenian Foreign Minister mentioned with gratitude the contribution of American-Armenians and American-Armenian organizations to those relations. “The nature of our relations would be incomplete without the thousands of bridges by which our compatriots linked the two states”, Nalbandian emphasized.

Referring to the important developments in Armenian-US relations, Edward Nalbandian pointed out the opening of Armenian Embassy in Washington and Consulate General in Los Angeles, the establishment of the American University in Armenia, signing of important inter-state agreements, the steps done in trade and economic sphere, particularly the creation of Armenian-American inter-governmental commission and the creation of Trade and Investment Council, visa facilitation, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination by a number of States, US support in strengthening Armenia’s peacekeeping capacities, and a number of other important developments.

Nalbandian also talked about the first years of the establishment of diplomatic relations and recalled the opening of the US Embassy in Yerevan, which heralded the entry of the first foreign diplomatic representation to Armenia after 70 years of hiatus. “The opening of the Embassy was immediately followed by the visit of the Secretary of State James Baker which significantly fostered the development of relations between the two states. Recently in Houston I had another opportunity to talk with Mr. Baker about his historical visit to Armenia. Referring to the first years of our relations I cannot bypass the large-scale humanitarian aid provided to Armenia by the US Government and people, which was of particular importance during the years following the proclamation of independence”, the Armenian Foreign Minister stated, adding that the humanitarian aid gradually transformed into implementation of different development programs.