The United States said that the Armenian government’s aspirations to diversify its foreign policy —and partners—should not mean deterioration of relations with Moscow.
“Armenia is looking for alternatives. This does not mean that Armenia’s relations with Russia are deteriorating,” First Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim, who visited Armenia this year, said during a talk at a forum entitled, “The role of the U.S. in the establishment of a new regional order in the South Caucasus.’’
“We are very eager to provide as much support as possible to Armenia’s efforts to diversify its relations, strengthen its security economic prosperity, and sign a peace treaty with its adversary,’’ Kim added.
Speaking about the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, she emphasized that Washington is trying to establish ties between Yerevan and Baku to help facilitate a peace agreement.
She also added that the US is considering other options for providing support to Armenia, including through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“In the current financial year, it is about $77 million, nearly double what it was just two years ago. These funds will be directed towards Armenia’s stability in areas such as climate and food security, as well as efforts to lift Armenia out of isolation,” said Kim.
