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Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, on a working visit to the U.S., had a meeting with Mitch McConnell, Republican Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, and Harry Reid, Democratic Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate. A number of other Senate Republicans and Democrats also attended the meeting, the President’s press office reports.

The interlocutors discussed a broad range of issues related to Armenian-American inter-parliamentary collaboration and to the further promotion and deepening of friendly bilateral relations, as well as touched upon the unique role of the U.S. Congress in those relations.

According to the Armenian President, partly owing to the vigorous efforts of Senators Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid, those relations are presently at the highest level. Serzh Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to the interlocutors for the caring attitude demonstrated throughout these years towards the issues which are of vital importance to Armenia and the Armenian people.

The parties agreed that since the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, Armenian-American relations have embraced a broad framework of cooperation. Armenia and the U.S. have maintained a strong partnership relationship both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

President Serzh Sargsyan greatly appreciated the support provided by the U.S. throughout these years for the development of Armenia’s economy, multi-sectoral reforms and civil society and democratic consolidation which has been targeted at the strengthening of our statehood.

The President also stressed the U.S. role in maintaining security and stability in the region, including its active involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process as an OSCE Minsk Co-Chair country.

At the meeting, the parties reflected upon the Armenian Genocide Centennial and the commemorative and remembrance events being held in Armenia and in numerous countries of the world, including the inter-religious prayer devoted to the Armenian Genocide to be performed at Washington National Cathedral during the Armenian President’s visit.

The Armenian President and the U.S. Senators exchanged views on problems and challenges in the South Caucasian region and on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. In their speeches, all the participating Senators attached importance to the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. 

Given the blockade of Armenia, the interlocutors also discussed issues related to creating the necessary opportunities to ensure alternative transport routes and energy sources.