Armenia is a democratic ally in the South Caucasus region upon which America can consistently depend. The U.S.-Armenia relationship is a mutually beneficial partnership that reinforces America’s moral values and strategic interests. Supporting a strong, secure Armenia is consistent with U.S. values and promotes peace and stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Armenia is home to America’s second-largest embassy complex in the world, affirming the U.S. commitment to a strategically important country bordering Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. America and Armenia share the same core values: equality, freedom, democracy, human rights, pluralism and the rule of law. In a region dominated by nondemocratic regimes, Armenia is the one democratic ally upon which America can consistently depend. The Armenian state is sustained by a robust judicial system, free and fair elections and voting rights for all its citizens. The United States and Armenia share interests in deterring war, combating global terrorism, promoting stability, and creating lasting peace.

With nearly 2 million Armenians living in the United States, the ties between America and Armenia are further strengthened through business, educational, scientific and family connections. Armenia is also home to the renowned University of California-affiliated American University of Armenia (AUA). The University’s development was bolstered significantly when Congress passed, and President Clinton signed into law, $10 million for AUA’s endowment. Today, AUA has nine Master’s degree programs and four Bachelor’s degree programs. Since its founding in 1991, nearly 5000 students have received a degree from AUA with the United States having an indelible impact on these future leaders.

Armenia and Artsakh face unrelenting security threats from two hostile, autocratic regimes, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have been acting on their publicly stated goal of ethnically cleansing Armenians from the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan continuously violates signed agreements using force and terror. Azerbaijan cannot be trusted to honor any peace agreement it makes with Armenia or Artsakh. It serves American values and interests to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship with security assistance and expanded bilateral economic cooperation. 

A strong U.S.-Armenia relationship is essential for achieving genuine peace and human rights protections in the South Caucasus region. Armenia continues to be forced to endure painful sacrifices and compromises and it’s in U.S. interests to ensure a country that shares values of democracy, freedom and human rights not only survives but thrives.