U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has lauded "the courage and the flexibility" that Armenia and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have been showing throughout the dialogue with Azerbaijan.

Blinken made the remarks when signing a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Monday, May 2.

"I just want to take this opportunity as we’re sitting here to, in the first instance, praise the leadership of the prime minister and his government, the democratic reforms that they’ve been pursuing, the progress that continues to be made – but also to very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to express real appreciation for the vision and the courage and the flexibility that the prime minister and Armenia have been showing in this process working toward what we all want, which is a lasting peace," Blinken said.

"And finally, let me say, Mr. Minister, to you, to all of your colleagues, it’s – it really is a great pleasure being able to work with you as we work to strengthen and deepen our relations. These are challenging times in many, many ways, and they’re challenging for Armenia, but know that you have a strong and true friend and partner in the United States. Welcome."

Blinken said they are meeting to relaunch the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Armenia that was suspended because of Covid. According to him, it's a very important vehicle by which the sides can continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship with each other to pursue new areas of cooperation and collaboration.

Mirzoyan said Armenia appreciates its partnership with the U.S., aimed at peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

"And in this regard I want to highlight the important role the United States of America plays as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has a mandate from the international community to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.," he said

"I also appreciate United States support through the Armenia-Turkish normalization process and United States strong stance on the recognition on the condemnation of the Armenian genocide and Confirmation of this stance this year, too."

The Armenian and American governments convene the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue to discuss mutual areas of cooperation. According to the Department of State, U.S. investment in Armenia has flowed to a variety of projects, including those related to energy, information technology, agriculture, tourism, carpet and furniture production, construction, beverage bottling, jewelry and textile production, and mining.