Bridget Brink: US is interested in further expansion of Armenian-American cooperation in various fields

ArmInfo. RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink that Armenia highly appreciates the partnership relations formed with the United States. The press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry told ArmInfo about this.

At the same time, the Armenian minister added that high-ranking contacts provide a good opportunity for discussing issues on the agenda of the Armenian-American friendly partnership, as well as prospects for development and deepening of cooperation.

Brink noted that the US attaches importance to partnership relations with Armenia and is interested in further expansion of Armenian-American cooperation in various fields. "I am proud of the achievements of economic partnership with Armenia." The trade turnover between our countries increased by more than 35 percent during the first 11 months of last year, and we continue to be eyewitnesses of new American investments in the Armenian economy, "the State Department official said.

The meeting exchanged views on joint steps to deepen the political dialogue and trade and economic contacts, expand the regulatory framework. Both sides stressed the importance of the activity of the Armenian-American trade and investment council, as well as the Armenian-American intergovernmental commission.

Nalbandian presented the latest developments around the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, appreciating the joint efforts of the United States and other countries of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs - Russia and France. Nalbandyan added that the destructive position of the Azerbaijani side violates the process that has been going on for years within the framework of the Minsk Group and does not allow progress.

Brink reaffirmed the US commitment, as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, to continue active involvement in the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. She also highly appreciated Armenia's active involvement in peacekeeping activities.

The interlocutors exchanged views on topical international and regional issues.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, between Armenia and the US in January- December 2017 amounted to $ 204.8 million, with an annual growth of 68.2%. Exports totaled $ 68.5 million, growth - 76.5%, imports - $ 136.3 million with annual growth of 64.3%.