Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional Armenian Caucus members Jackie Speier and Judy Chu.

Welcoming the congresswomen to Armenia, the Prime Minister highlighted the meeting with them as part of continued dialogue and shared willingness to deepen cooperation between Armenia and the United States. Nikol Pashinyan presented the comprehensive reform process underway in our country, stressing that democracy is a credo and a value system for the Armenian people. He assured that the Armenian government will pursue the ongoing democratic reform, noting that the support of our international partners could foster its quick and successful implementation.

Jackie Speier and Judy Chu said they were proud to visit Armenia, meet with the Armenian Premier and exchange views on the furtherance of U.S.-Armenia relations. They said that the Velvet Revolution and the achievements recorded following the revolution are impressive and the United States is ready to support Prime Minister Pashinyan and his Cabinet with the proposed reform agenda. The Congress members gave details of their visit to Artsakh, noting that they had been impressed by the peace-loving nature of Artsakh, the feeling of safety and the high level of civic consciousness.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that the congresswomen’s visit to Artsakh and their assessments are important in terms of politics and humanitarianism, adding that Armenia is eager to see developed democratic institutions and civil society in Artsakh. According to the Prime Minister, the recent local elections in Artsakh came as an evidence of significant progress in this direction.

The Armenian Premier and the U.S. congresswomen looked at ways of strengthening democracy in Armenia and expanding the U.S.-Armenia partnership. Both sides stressed the need for USAID’s continued technical assistance to Armenia.