On July 5, Armenia’s National Assembly President Alen Simonyan received a congressional delegation led by US Senator Roger Wicker, the parliamentary press office reports. Following a brief initial discussion, a larger meeting took place, which included RA NA deputies.

Parliamentary speaker Simonyan welcomed the delegation’s visit and expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the USA towards Armenia's democratic aspirations. He emphasized the significant contribution of the United States in strengthening Armenia's democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights protection.

Simonyan stated, “The USA has consistently supported Armenia’s democratic vision and significantly contributed to the reinforcement of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights in Armenia. We highly value the role of the United States and appreciate its support for Armenia’s sovereignty, independence, democracy, territorial integrity, and border inviolability, as established by the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.”

During a joint press conference with the visiting US delegation, Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan stated that there is no delay on Armenia’s part in signing the peace treaty with Azerbaijan. “We [i.e. Armenia] are ready to sign it, and we can say that the ‘ball’ [in this regard] is on the Azerbaijani side,” Simonyan declared.

He also addressed the ongoing process of regulating the border delimitation commissions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing optimism about its progress. “We are full of hope that we will succeed,” Simonyan added.

US Congressional Delegation Reaffirms Bipartisan Support for Armenia

During a joint press conference with Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan in Yerevan, US Congressman and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, emphasized the bipartisan support for Armenia among the visiting US delegation.

Wilson highlighted Armenia’s significance as a regional partner for the US, noting the evolving regional landscape and the challenges faced by the South Caucasus. He acknowledged Armenia’s efforts to distance itself from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence and align more closely with the West.

Wilson praised Armenia’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy to counter Russia’s ambitions to reestablish the USSR. He asserted that by strengthening cooperation in the defense and security sectors, the US could help Armenia withstand external pressures, benefiting both countries as well as regional and global security.

Congressman Joe Wilson urged Azerbaijan to conclude the peace process with Armenia as soon as possible. He also emphasized that the US wants to encourage Turkey to take steps toward normalizing relations with Armenia.

During the joint press conference, Ben Cardin, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, stated that the United States aims to advance the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He noted that the US possesses various tools for its relations with different countries, including strategic cooperation and security arrangements. While Cardin did not specify how these tools might be used, he emphasized that the US is keenly interested in and committed to progressing the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

US Senator Roger Wicker Highlights Armenia’s Geopolitical Challenges and Commitment to Democracy

US Senator Roger Wicker stated during a joint press conference after his bipartisan delegation met with Armenian colleagues in the National Assembly of Armenia that Armenia faces significant challenges due to its geopolitical location.

Wicker noted that Russia is heavily involved in the region, and Iran is nearby, suggesting that these countries might not support the freedoms, democracy, and progress that Armenia has achieved.

The senator also congratulated Armenia on its Constitution Day and quoted American Founding Father Thomas Paine, emphasizing that democracy is hard to achieve and tyranny difficult to defeat. He acknowledged forces in the world and the region that seek to undermine democracy and freedoms but praised Armenia for its determination and perseverance in resisting these threats.

Wicker highlighted that both the Armenian government and its people are eager for a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, including the completion of border delimitation and demarcation and the release of prisoners of war from the recent conflict.

The US delegation was informed of Armenia’s desire to reopen its borders with neighboring Turkey to facilitate the free movement of people and stimulate the Armenian economy. The senator assured that the US supports Armenia in this endeavor.

Addressing Azerbaijani partners and other OSCE members, Wicker warned against aligning too closely with President Vladimir Putin's Russia and urged them to recognize the value and cost of freedom.