
Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America
Preamble
The Republic of Armenia and the United States of America
Reaffirm the importance of their friendly and strategic partnership. Seek to deepen their partnership for the benefit of both countries and expand cooperation across a broad range of mutual priorities.
Underline that this cooperation between two democratic countries is based on shared values and common interests. These include the promotion of democracy and economic freedom, the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the strengthening of the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, support for innovation and technological progress, and the strengthening of energy security.
Underline their mutual desire to strengthen relations in the diplomatic, economic, energy, high-tech, educational, scientific, cultural, legal, defense, and security spheres.
Section I. Principles of Cooperation
This Charter is based on fundamental principles and beliefs common to both sides.
Support for each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity is the foundation of bilateral relations.
The parties’ friendship stems from a shared commitment to democratic values and the belief that democracy is the foundation of political legitimacy and, therefore, stability.
Cooperation between democratic partners will contribute to the strengthening of peace and stability.
A strong, independent, sovereign, and democratic Armenia, capable of defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders, is the cornerstone of long-term regional security and prosperity.
Armenia’s ongoing democratic and economic reforms can unleash the full creative potential of its hard-working citizens, thereby contributing to prosperity in the region and beyond.
The United States welcomes Armenia’s efforts to deepen its political, economic, security, and social ties with other countries in the Euro-Atlantic community and the broader democratic community.
The United States supports the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the border delimitation process based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.
The United States supports the unblocking of regional transportation links in the South Caucasus based on countries’ sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Recognizing that the movement of goods and people across borders creates interdependence and mutually beneficial relationships among neighbors, the United States also intends to continue to encourage the normalization of relations between Armenia and its neighbors.
Section II. Economic, Trade, Transportation, and Energy Cooperation
Armenia and the United States intend to expand cooperation to promote job creation and economic growth, advance economic/market reform and liberalization, stimulate transportation connectivity, improve the bilateral business environment, and ensure market access for goods and services. The Parties recognize that fair, worker-focused, and sustainable trade is essential to promoting resilient supply chains, equitable development, freedom, and prosperity. The United States supports Armenia’s efforts to integrate into the global economy.
Recognizing the importance of increased trade and investment for economic growth and development, Armenia and the United States intend to explore strategic opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment.
Given the importance of a viable, sustainable, secure, market-oriented energy sector, Armenia and the United States intend to explore opportunities to diversify and grow Armenia’s energy production and supply.
This includes developing a civil nuclear energy program consistent with the highest nuclear safety and nonproliferation standards, efforts to ensure energy security and efficiency, including significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in Armenia’s energy mix, and activities to connect Armenia to regional and European markets.
Armenia and the United States intend to establish a working group to strengthen dual-use export control enforcement, coordinate policy frameworks, and share information. Armenia and the United States also intend to initiate a joint dialogue to expand access to U.S. Department of Commerce export-controlled technologies for trusted companies operating in Armenia.
Recognizing the importance of trade diversification in addressing food security and stimulating economic growth, Armenia and the United States intend to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas that will help strengthen the conditions for trade in agricultural commodities.
Given Armenia’s landlocked location and multi-layered trade challenges posed by limited access to global trade markets, Armenia and the United States intend to deepen cooperation aimed at integrating Armenia into broader regional transportation networks and initiatives, particularly through strong political support for and promotion of Armenia’s Crossroads of the World project.
Section I I I. Defense and Security
The United States supports an independent, sovereign, and democratic Armenia. Peace in the South Caucasus is key to the continued economic growth and democratic development of Armenia and the region. Defense and security cooperation between Armenia and the United States benefits both countries and the region.
Given the continuing threats to global peace and stability, Armenia and the United States intend to expand the scope of their defense and security cooperation programs, including by initiating bilateral defense consultations during the coming year and supporting the Armenian armed forces through professional military training.
The United States values Armenia’s important contributions to peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, and Mali. Deepening Armenia’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures is a bilateral priority, and the parties plan to expand security cooperation and reform programs to enhance Armenia’s interoperability and defense.
Given the dangers of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Armenia and the United States plan to explore measures to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction and dangerous technologies by adhering to international nonproliferation standards, effectively enforcing export controls, and strengthening controls. To this end, the United States intends to support the development of the capacity of the Armenian Border Troops and the State Revenue Committee.
Given the persistent threat posed by cyber adversaries to government, business, and society, Armenia and the United States intend to work toward a digital future that is innovative, secure, and respectful of human rights. Armenia and the United States plan to continue to organize regular consultations on existing or emerging cyber threats.
The United States intends to continue to promote rights-respecting structures, including by supporting Armenia’s efforts to reform and modernize its Ministry of Interior and law enforcement agencies.
Such support is expected to include police training and other measures to ensure public safety, investigate and prosecute abuses, and combat transnational crime and corruption.
Section IV: Strengthening Democracy, Justice, and Inclusion
Given Armenia’s significant achievements to date, our two countries are committed to working together to advance the rule of law by strengthening an impartial, independent judiciary, freedom of expression, including media freedom, good governance and accountability, public administration reform, fair and transparent electoral competition, a free and vibrant civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and further strengthening efforts to combat corruption in Armenia.
Armenia and the United States plan to cooperate to strengthen independent media, freedom of expression, and access to impartial information.
Armenia and the United States plan to cooperate to strengthen Armenia’s rule of law efforts and policymaking processes, including by working to improve judicial impartiality and independence, public trust and transparency, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Through law enforcement-judicial relations and institutional strengthening of crime prevention and criminal justice frameworks, the two sides intend to address common transnational criminal threats such as terrorism, organized crime, human and drug trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.
Armenia and the United States intend to cooperate on Armenia’s anti-corruption initiatives, efforts, and policymaking, including by working to strengthen the integrity of anti-corruption institutions and public services across all sectors.
Armenia and the United States plan to work together to improve the legal and regulatory framework for human rights protection in Armenia and to strengthen human rights institutions. The United States plans to support Armenia in its efforts to expand its legal framework to combat discrimination.
Armenia and the United States plan to strengthen the country’s anti-discrimination laws by increasing transparency and accountability, improving governance, and communication on reforms, increasing access of citizens and the media to government information, and promoting good governance in Armenia.
Armenia and the United States plan to work together to ensure political pluralism and the growth of transparent, fair political competition in Armenia. Moreover, to create a competitive electoral environment, encourage the development of political parties, think tanks, and nongovernmental organizations by supporting their participation in legislative development and reform.
Armenia and the United States plan to work together to strengthen the capacity of Armenian civil society to develop and analyze public policy, advance citizen interests, participate in legislative processes, and provide oversight of those holding public office.
Armenia and the United States intend to fulfill the commitments made at the Democracy Summit.
The United States plans to assist Armenia in implementing a program to prevent and combat all forms of human trafficking in Armenia.
Given that Armenia has been facing a displacement crisis since September 2023, the United States plans to continue to support Armenia in assisting Nagorno-Karabakh displaced persons and refugees.
Section V. Promoting People-to-People Connections and Cultural Exchange
Armenia and the United States desire to develop people-to-people connections, including through the Armenian American community, and to expand cultural, artistic, educational, scientific, and professional exchange programs that advance democracy, democratic values, the rule of law, and mutual understanding.
Given the importance of growing ties between the people of Armenia and the United States, the parties plan to encourage further cultural and social exchanges and activities through initiatives such as the Fulbright Program, the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), Undergraduate Student Exchange (UGRAD), Legal Education and Experience (LEAP), the International Leadership Program (IVLP), the English Language Teaching and Learning Program, and others.
Emphasizing the need for innovation and mobility for the future of the two countries, Armenia and the United States plan to encourage increased cooperation in higher education, business, and research.
The United States plans to streamline the U.S. visa application process in accordance with U.S. law and procedures to provide opportunities for participation to qualified individuals engaged in cultural, educational, business, and scientific activities.
Armenia and the United States value the potential of the Academic City of Armenia as a hub for academic collaboration and innovation that advances shared goals in education and research.
Armenia and the United States intend to support joint initiatives aimed at preserving the cultural heritage in Armenia.
Source Text: news.am