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Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Thursday received newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills on the occasion of handing over his copy of credentials, the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

Congratulating the Ambassador on the appointment, Minister Nalbandian commended Armenian-American cooperation and expressed the hope that Ambassador Mills will have his important input in further strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations.

Expressing gratitude for the reception and good wishes, the newly appointed Ambassador noted that it is a great honor for him to represent the United States in Armenia, the development of relations with which is of particular importance to his country. He said that he will spare no effort to move forward the multidimensional cooperation. The US Ambassador conveyed to Minister Nalbandian the greetings and good wishes of Secretary of State John Kerry.

The sides touched upon the bilateral agenda, political dialogue, collaboration within different platforms, issues related to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, fight against terrorism, military cooperation, including within the framework of peacekeeping operations.

Minister Nalbandian noted with satisfaction that since Armenia’s independence the United States has significantly assisted the development of Armenia and the ongoing reform process, replacing over time assistance programs with cooperation and development ones.

The sides attached importance to the agreements reached between the Foreign Minister of Armenia and U.S. Secretary of State in 2013 on visa facilitation, which has entered into force on January 1, 2015.

They also discussed the expansion of trade and economic relations and the work of U.S.-Armenia Joint Economic Task Force.

The sides exchanged views on the activities towards drafting of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Armenia and the United States.

Minister Nalbandian expressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' support to the Ambassador in the implementation of his mission.