News - Samantha Power: US triples support to Armenia, affirms commitment to democracy

RA Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan welcomed Samantha Power, the head of the US International Development Agency, and Yuri Kim, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, during a meeting held in Armenia. The gathering was attended by various government officials, including Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, and Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. Khachatryan highlighted the crucial role of the United States in fortifying Armenia's democratic institutions, recognizing the external security challenges in the region and their potential threat to Armenia's democracy. Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to its agenda, with confidence that it can safeguard Armenia's security and sovereignty. During the meeting, Khachatryan provided a detailed overview of the dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the issues confronting forcibly displaced individuals from the region. He also outlined the steps taken by the Armenian government to provide accommodation and essential necessities to those displaced. Samantha Power expressed the US government's readiness, particularly from USAID, to assist in addressing the needs of those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. She highlighted that recent support to Armenia has tripled, underscoring the commitment to aid the government in managing emerging challenges. The meeting also encompassed discussions on forthcoming programs and priorities that will receive focused attention.