In a significant move to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Armenia, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan launched the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Commission on January 14, 2025. This new initiative aims to further deepen collaboration between the two nations across key sectors such as economic growth, security, defense, and democratic development, with the broader goal of fostering a more resilient, secure, and peaceful South Caucasus region.
Building Economic Ties and Promoting Innovation
One of the central focuses of the partnership is boosting economic cooperation. The United States has already invested approximately $3.3 billion in Armenia to support democratic reforms, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance over the past years, including $340 million since 2021. Both countries have been actively engaged in expanding trade and investment, with U.S.-Armenian trade tripling between 2020 and 2023, reaching $321 million. The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service has also facilitated the export of $15 million worth of goods to Armenia since 2023, benefiting nearly 300 U.S. firms.
The partnership is also designed to enhance Armenia’s technological capabilities. The U.S. is particularly focused on supporting Armenia’s burgeoning tech sector, with U.S. companies seeking to establish a stronger presence in the market. As part of this collaboration, the two nations have agreed to negotiate a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, which will help Armenia develop its nuclear energy sector while adhering to strict non-proliferation standards.
Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation
Security remains a cornerstone of the U.S.-Armenia relationship. In recent years, the U.S. has been engaged in bolstering Armenia’s defense and border security capabilities. The U.S. government has provided over $27 million in funding for strengthening Armenia’s border security, which includes collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Armenian authorities. Additionally, U.S. assistance has supported Armenia’s defense sector reforms, including the purchase of armored ambulances and the development of a Cyber Defense Operations Center.
A key aspect of the security cooperation is the annual Eagle Partner exercises, aimed at improving peacekeeping and interoperability between U.S. and Armenian forces. Both countries are also addressing cyber threats, with Armenia joining the International Counter Ransomware Initiative in December 2024 and collaborating with the U.S. to establish a national cybersecurity strategy.
Promoting Democracy, Justice, and Inclusion
The United States is also a strong partner in Armenia’s efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. U.S. assistance has been crucial in fighting institutional corruption, advancing e-governance, and supporting reforms in Armenia’s electoral and political processes. Moreover, the U.S. is working with the Armenian government to improve human rights protections, including for vulnerable populations such as women and refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The U.S. has also supported initiatives to strengthen Armenia’s law enforcement agencies. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement has provided over $16 million in assistance to develop Armenia’s Patrol Police Service, focusing on training, equipment, and building modern, service-oriented law enforcement institutions.
People-to-People Exchanges and Cultural Preservation
The U.S. and Armenia have long shared a deep cultural and educational connection. People-to-people exchanges form a vital part of the partnership, with numerous programs designed to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. The United States has supported partnerships between Armenian universities and several U.S. institutions, including Cornell University, Washington State University, and Florida State University. Additionally, exchange programs have allowed Armenian students, professionals, and leaders to engage with U.S. counterparts, fostering ties at both the individual and institutional levels.
Cultural preservation is also a priority, with the U.S. working alongside Armenia to protect and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage through initiatives like the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation grants. Furthermore, both nations have nurtured subnational connections, with new sister city partnerships strengthening bonds between local communities in the U.S. and Armenia.
A Shared Vision for the Future
This evolving U.S.-Armenia relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, with both nations committed to advancing regional stability, economic growth, and democratic governance. The establishment of the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Commission is just the latest in a series of steps that reflect both countries’ dedication to forging a strong, forward-looking partnership.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that the strengthening of U.S.-Armenian ties is not only beneficial for the two nations but also contributes to broader efforts for peace and stability in the South Caucasus and beyond. As the partnership progresses, both countries are poised to tackle challenges together and build a future that benefits their peoples and the global community.