Hunanyan: Strategic partnership with U.S. to enhance RA security

PanARMENIAN.Net - The full implementation of the provisions outlined in the strategic partnership document between Armenia and the United States will significantly enhance Armenia's overall security and resilience. This perspective was shared by Vahan Hunanyan, advisor to the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

On January 14, 2025, the strategic partnership charter was signed in Washington.

Hunanyan detailed the document's importance for Yerevan, highlighting that it establishes a unified vision for the development of bilateral relations based on shared values and strategic interests, as reported by Armenpress.

He clarified that this is not a specific action plan but a strategic framework agreement encompassing various sections that define the cooperation areas both parties aim to develop. To this end, a Strategic Partnership Charter Commission is planned, where Armenian and U.S. officials will regularly meet to discuss initiatives, programs, and new agreements.

Hunanyan emphasized the "Principles of Partnership" section, which asserts that the foundation of Armenia-U.S. relations is the preservation of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Additionally, the U.S. supports the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including border delimitation issues based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

"Another important point pertains to the unblocking of regional transport communications based on countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction. Furthermore, the U.S. clearly supports Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative, which is also of significant importance.

This document also includes directions for economic, energy, communication, democracy, rule of law, and human rights protection, which are to be further developed through joint efforts," he stated.

The charter also contains provisions to deepen cooperation in the economic sector.

"Specifically, the parties plan to explore opportunities for collaboration in trade and investment. This can occur through the newly established commission or within the framework of the Armenia-U.S. Trade and Investment Council, coordinated by the Armenian Ministry of Economy.

Special attention is given to expanding access to controlled technologies. According to the charter, the parties intend to initiate a dialogue to enable trusted Armenian companies to access technologies controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce," he noted.

Hunanyan mentioned that the food security sector also holds particular importance, as it is crucial for both economic stability and resilience.

"A separate chapter in the document is dedicated to defense and security issues. This section outlines numerous provisions for expanding bilateral cooperation, including dialogues between defense departments, increased military training, collaboration in peacekeeping missions, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also announced that Armenia is joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which is another significant step within our strategic partnership.

Special attention is given to cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly important. We are already actively cooperating with the U.S. in the security of controlled technologies, as well as in the control of their import and export," he added.

Hunanyan stressed that this agreement is not a military alliance and does not contain obligations regarding military intervention or defense support.

"However, if its provisions are fully implemented, Armenia will significantly enhance its overall security and resilience," he concluded.

During the signing ceremony in Washington, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced that Armenia is initiating negotiations with the U.S. on a '1-2-3 agreement' concerning deeper cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

According to Hunanyan, Armenian-American cooperation in the nuclear field is not new. In 2022, during Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Washington, a memorandum of understanding was signed to develop cooperation in civilian nuclear energy. Now, the parties are preparing to take another significant step by starting negotiations on the mentioned agreement.

He explained the significance of this agreement as follows: if the U.S. wishes to deepen cooperation with a country in the nuclear energy field, and that country seeks access to leading American nuclear technologies, this agreement becomes an important prerequisite. In his view, it will help strengthen the joint work of the two countries in the nuclear energy sector, including safety issues.

Regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's meeting with U.S. Vice President James David Vance during his American visit, Hunanyan emphasized that this was not the first contact with the new U.S. leadership.

"When Donald Trump was elected, the first phone conversation with a regional leader was with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Later, during the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, there was also an interaction," he noted.

Hunanyan mentioned that the meeting in Washington was not initially planned, as the visit was unofficial. However, the parties mutually agreed to meet and discuss cooperation issues. According to him, the discussion was very productive and covered both the bilateral agenda and regional developments.

He added that James David Vance is considered a potential successor to Donald Trump, so the fact that Prime Minister Pashinyan became his first foreign official interlocutor holds strategic significance.

Among the meetings, the one held in Congress, led by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, was particularly important.

Hunanyan noted that all the issues discussed during the Prime Minister's visit were essentially aimed at further deepening the Armenia-U.S. strategic partnership. It was important not only to strengthen political dialogue but also to present Armenia's position on the peace agenda to the new administration.

He emphasized that Armenia greatly values the continued support of the U.S. in establishing peace in the South Caucasus. In his view, ensuring stability and security in the region serves the interests of both Armenia and the international community.

Regarding Donald Trump's policy, Hunanyan noted that peacebuilding is a key priority for Trump.