Friday, 17 October 2008
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried.
"We want the US-Armenian relationship to go on strengthening. New possibilities have opened up for you: we have a new ambassador in Armenia and we would like to use these possibilities for the strengthening of bilateral relations. The region itself will benefit from a powerful, sovereign and democratic Armenia," Daniel Fried said and asked about the outcome of RA Prime Minister's recent visit to Washington. He also wanted to hear Tigran Sargsyan's comments on the financial crisis and its impact on Armenia, as well as on the ongoing reform in our country.
The Armenian Prime Minister stated that his visit was quite successful and encouraging. According to him, a new chapter is being written in the history of bilateral relations, and enthusiasm is supposed to give a new impetus to reform.
"We do have a friendly country in the person of the United States which has assisted us a lot for the past several years. I trust that our relations have a good outlook," Tigran Sargsyan said. He briefed the guest on the results of those contacts had in the United States, the prospects for bilateral and regional cooperation and the discussions held on the financial crisis and its eventual impact on Armenia.
The US Assistant Secretary of State expressed hope that Armenia will settle its relations with Turkey and the Karabakh conflict. Also, he said to be hopeful that our country will succeed in completing the ongoing reforms and addressing those problems faced up in connection with the March 1-2 events. At the same time, Mr. Fried emphasized the need for strengthening democratic institutions and rule-of-law in Armenia.
In conclusion, Daniel Fried stressed once again that Armenia is important to the United States as evidenced by the RA Prime Minister's successful visit to Washington.
