News - Armenia envoy to US: Crossroads of Peace project is prime example of commitment to sustainable peace (PHOTOS)

A reception dedicated to the Independence Day anniversary of Armenia was held in Washington DC, which was attended also by senior officials of the US executive and legislative branches of power, informs the embassy of Armenian in the US. The guests were welcomed by remarks by Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of Armenia to the US, who, referring to the aforesaid day's meaning, presented the main achievements of the 33 years of Armenia's independence. The ambassador emphasized the main directions of Armenia-US bilateral cooperation since the re-independence of Armenia and the deepening and progress of bilateral relations in recent years. The diplomat stressed the commitment of the Armenian and US governments to raise the current level of their relations to the Strategic Partnership level. Reflecting on Armenia's commitment to the peace agenda in the region, the ambassador expressed gratitude to the US administration for assisting negotiations aimed at establishing peace with Azerbaijan and for its efforts to return Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) from Azerbaijan in 2021 and 2022, and added that the work aimed at returning Armenian POWs and detained persons will continue. Makunts noted that the Crossroads of Peace project launched by the Armenian government is a vivid example of the commitment to a stable peace agenda in the region, and she lauded the American government's support for that initiative. Also, the Armenian ambassador to the US expressed gratitude for the long-term work of the Congressional Armenian Caucus of the US aimed at strengthening the ties between Armenia and the US. In his remarks, Richard Verma, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, emphasized the significant contribution of the Armenian community in the US to the latter's development. He noted that Armenian-American relations have passed the test of time and continue to rise. He mentioned the words of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed to Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan during the telephone conversation held a few days ago; that is, the United States remains committed to supporting a prosperous, democratic, and independent Armenia. Next, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman delivered remarks, and present the programs being implemented by USAID in Armenia. Coleman stressed the doubling of USAID support being provided to Armenia after 2018, and noted the USAID's assistance to meet the humanitarian needs of more than 100 thousand displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. And Congressman Jim Costa, an active member of the US Congressional Armenian Caucus, emphasized the caucus's continued readiness to assist in matters related to Armenia, and noted that the US shall stand firmly with Armenia as a friend.