The strategic partnership charter between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America was signed on January 14 at the US State Department in Washington.

The document was signed by RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The full text of the Charter is below.

Charter of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America

Preface:

The Republic of Armenia and the United States of America reaffirm the importance of their friendly and strategic partnership, intend to deepen their partnership for the benefit of both countries and expand cooperation in a wide range of mutual priorities.

1. They emphasize that this cooperation between the two democracies is based on common values and interests, including promoting democracy and economic freedom, protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, supporting innovation and technological progress, and strengthening energy security.

2. Underline their mutual desire to strengthen diplomatic, economic, energy, high-tech, educational, scientific, cultural, legal, defense, and security relations.

Section I: Partnership Principles

This Charter is based on fundamental principles and beliefs common to both parties.

1. The foundation of bilateral relations is support for each other's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

2. The parties' friendship stems from a common commitment to democratic values ​​and the belief that democracy is the main basis for political legitimacy and, therefore, stability.

3. Cooperation between democratic partners will help promote peace and stability.

4. A strong, independent, sovereign, and democratic Armenia, capable of defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders, is central to lasting regional security and prosperity.

5. Armenia's ongoing democratic and economic reforms can fully unleash the creative potential of its hardworking citizens, thereby promoting prosperity throughout the region and beyond.

6. The United States welcomes Armenia's efforts to deepen its political, economic, security, and social ties with other countries of the Euro-Atlantic community and the broader democratic community.

7. According to the Declaration of Alma-Ata, a dignified and lasting peace is fundamental to a more stable and prosperous future in the South Caucasus.

8. The United States supports the unblocking of regional transport communications in the South Caucasus based on countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction.

9. Given that the movement of goods and people across the country's borders leads to interdependence and mutually beneficial relationships between neighbors, the United States also intends to continue to encourage normalizing relations between Armenia and its neighbors.

Section II: Economic, trade, transport, and energy cooperation

Armenia and the United States intend to expand cooperation to promote job creation and economic growth, support economic/market reforms and liberalization, promote transportation communications, improve the bilateral business environment, and ensure market access for goods and services. The parties recognize that fair, worker-centered, and sustainable trade is essential to advancing resilient supply chains, equitable development, freedom, and prosperity. The United States supports Armenia's efforts to integrate into the global economy.

1. Armenia and the United States recognize the importance of increased trade and investment in economic growth and development and intend to explore strategic opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment.

2. Given the importance of a viable, resilient, and secure market-based energy sector, Armenia and the United States intend to explore opportunities to diversify and grow Armenia's energy production and supplies, including the development of a civilian nuclear power program consistent with the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation and efficiency promotion efforts, including a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in Armenia's energy balance, as well as regional and European measures aimed at Armenia's energy connectivity with the markets.

3. Armenia and the United States intend to initiate a working group to strengthen dual-use export control enforcement, coordinate policy frameworks, and share information. around

4. Recognizing the importance of trade diversification in addressing food security and promoting economic growth, Armenia and the United States intend to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas that will support strengthening the agricultural trade environment.

5. Given the multifaceted challenges posed by Armenia's landlocked status and limited access to global trade markets, Armenia and the United States intend to deepen cooperation through strong political support and promotion to integrate Armenia into broader regional transportation networks and connectivity initiatives, particularly Armenia's Crossroads for Peace project.

Section III: Protection and Security

The United States supports an independent, sovereign, and democratic Armenia. Peace in the South Caucasus is key to the continued economic growth and democratic development of Armenia and the United States. Cooperation between Armenia and the United States benefits both countries and the region.

1. Given the persistence of threats to global peace and stability, Armenia and the United States intend to expand the scope of their defense and security cooperation programs by initiating bilateral defense consultations in the coming year and to support Armenia's armed forces through professional military training.

2. The United States appreciates Armenia's significant contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, and Mali. Deepening Armenia's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures is a bilateral priority, and the parties plan to expand security cooperation and reform programs to increase Armenia's interoperability and strengthen defense.

3. In light of the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Armenia and the United States plan to explore measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dangerous technologies through compliance with international nonproliferation standards, the practical application of export controls, and the strengthening of controls and capacity building of the State Revenue Committee.

4. Given the continuing threat posed by malicious cyber actors to government, business, and society, Armenia and the United States intend to work toward an innovative, secure, and human rights-respecting digital future.

5. The United States intends to continue to promote rights-respecting institutions, including by supporting Armenia's efforts to reform and modernize the Ministry of the Interior and law enforcement agencies. Such support is expected to include police education and other measures to ensure public safety, investigate those responsible for abuses, and prosecute and fight transnational crime and corruption.

Section IV: Strengthening democracy, justice, and inclusion

Considering Armenia's significant achievements so far, our two countries are committed to working together to promote the rule of law by strengthening an impartial, independent judiciary, freedom of expression, including media, good governance and accountability, public administration reforms, and fair and transparent electoral competition. , free and active civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and further strengthen efforts to fight corruption in Armenia.

1. Armenia and the United States plan to work together to strengthen independent media, freedom of speech, and access to unbiased news and information.

2. Armenia and the United States plan to work together to strengthen Armenia's efforts to promote the rule of law and advance policymaking processes in that area, including by working on the impartiality and independence of the judiciary, public trust, and transparency, as well as the development of alternative dispute settlement mechanisms. By strengthening the relations between the law enforcement sector and the judiciary, as well as the institutional framework of crime prevention and criminal justice, the parties intend to address common transnational criminal threats, such as terrorism, organized crime, and human trafficking: drug trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.

3. Armenia and the United States intend to cooperate on Armenia's anti-corruption initiatives and efforts and develop policies in this area, including strengthening anti-corruption structures and good behavior in all areas of public services.

4. Armenia and the United States plan to work together to improve the legal and regulatory framework for human rights protection and strengthen human rights protection structures.

5. Armenia and the United States plan to work to promote good governance in Armenia by increasing transparency and accountability, improving public administration, effective communication about reforms, and expanding access to government information to citizens and mass media.

6. Armenia and the United States plan to work together to ensure the growth of political pluralism and transparent, fair political competition in Armenia. Moreover, to create a competitive electoral environment, Armenia should encourage the development of political parties, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations, supporting their participation in the development of legislation and the implementation of reforms.

7. Armenia and the United States plan to work together to strengthen Armenian civil society's capacity to develop and analyze public policy, promote citizens' interests, participate in legislative processes, and ensure oversight of public officials.

8. Armenia and the United States intend to implement the commitments made at the Summit for Democracy.

9. The United States plans to assist Armenia in implementing a program to prevent and combat all forms of human trafficking in Armenia.

10. Considering that Armenia in 2023 Faced with a displacement crisis since September, the United States plans to continue to support Armenia in assisting displaced persons and refugees from Nagorno Karabakh.

Section V. Promoting human connections and cultural exchanges

Armenia and the United States want to promote human connections, including through the Armenian American community, and expand cultural, creative, educational, scientific, and professional exchange programs that contribute to promoting democracy, democratic values, the rule of law, and mutual understanding.

1. Given the importance of growing ties between the peoples of Armenia and the United States, the parties plan to promote further cultural and social exchanges and activities through initiatives such as the Fulbright Program, Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), Undergraduate Exchange (UGRAD), Legislative Education and Experience (LEAP), International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), English Language Teaching and Learning Program, and others.

2. Emphasizing the need for innovation and mobility for the future of both countries, Armenia and the United States plan to promote increased cooperation in higher education, business, and scientific research, the participation of qualified persons carrying out cultural, educational, business and scientific activities will be given an opportunity.

3. Armenia and the United States value the potential of the Academic City of Armenia as a hub of academic collaboration and innovation that advances common goals in education and research.

4. Armenia and the United States intend to support joint initiatives to preserve cultural heritage in Armenia.