Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in a joint ceremony with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, signed the Armenia-US Strategic Partnership Charter, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reports.

“This Charter provides a robust framework and injects greater ambition into our cooperation,” Mirzoyan stated during the signing ceremony. The agreement spans multiple fields, including economic and energy ties, defense and security cooperation, democratic reforms, rule of law, innovation, and fostering people-to-people connections.

Highlighting the evolving relationship, Mirzoyan noted, “Our relations, based on shared values and mutual interests, have matured to a point where upgrading them to a strategic partnership is not only fitting but essential.” He expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s consistent support of Armenia’s sovereignty, democratic institutions, and economic resilience.

The Charter also underscores shared efforts toward peace in the South Caucasus, with Mirzoyan affirming Armenia’s commitment to a peace agenda. He praised U.S. involvement in fostering regional stability, describing a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus as a shared goal of regional and international stakeholders.

In a significant announcement, Armenia declared its intention to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, underscoring its commitment to global security and the fight against international terrorism. Additionally, Armenia began negotiations with the US on a nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, to advance peaceful nuclear energy under strict safety and non-proliferation standards.

“Let this Charter serve as a testament to the deepening strategic relations between Armenia and the United States and as a roadmap for a future filled with shared achievements,” Mirzoyan concluded.

US Sends Border Security Team to Armenia to Strengthen Sovereignty

A specialized US team focused on customs and border security is scheduled to visit Armenia in the coming weeks to enhance border security collaboration with Armenian authorities, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during the signing ceremony of the Armenia-US Strategic Partnership Charter in Washington.

Blinken emphasized that the United States remains committed to supporting Armenia’s efforts to safeguard its independence and sovereignty. “We are deepening our cooperation in security and defense, focusing on protecting Armenia’s territorial integrity,” he stated.

Kremlin Comments on Armenia-US Strategic Partnership Plans

The Kremlin stated that Armenia's decision to develop a strategic partnership with the United States is its sovereign right while emphasizing Russia's intent to maintain and strengthen its own ties with Yerevan.

"This is a completely sovereign right of our Armenian friends. Armenia has the right to develop relations in all directions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, reports Russian TASS news agency. He added, “We value our bilateral relations with Armenia and are committed to further developing them.”

Peskov also highlighted the importance of cooperation within regional integration processes, particularly through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which he described as providing “substantial benefits to Armenia and its people.”

The comments follow an announcement by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry that Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are set to sign a strategic partnership agreement in Washington.

Armenia's Partnership with US a Sovereign Choice, CSTO Leader Says

Imangali Tasmagambetov, Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO),  affirmed that Armenia’s decision to pursue a strategic partnership with the United States is within Yerevan’s sovereign rights.

“The establishment of such a partnership with Washington is the sovereign right of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of developing bilateral relations,” Tasmagambetov stated. He emphasized, however, that this partnership should not pose security risks to other states or international organizations.

The remarks came as Armenia was preparing to sign a strategic partnership agreement with the US, a development previously acknowledged by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who also noted Armenia’s sovereign right to determine its foreign relations.