American diplomat: The United States seeks to ensure Armenia`s energy independence

ArmInfo.The goal of the energy document signed between Armenia and the United States on August 8 in Washington is to assist Armenia in diversifying its electricity sources, US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien stated in an interview with CivilNet.

According to her, the ultimate goal is to make Armenia energy independent. "This is very important for Armenia. We have worked with the Armenian side in the past, but we want to do more. And after this memorandum comes into force, we are actively working to complete negotiations on 123 agreements," the American diplomat added. She explained that this is a government-to-government agreement with Armenia that allows the US to export nuclear technology to Armenia for civilian purposes.

She further noted that nuclear energy is a key component of the Armenian energy system and added that since the US can more actively engage with Armenia in this area, Washington hopes for active cooperation with Yerevan in this sector.

Regarding the possibility of constructing American small modular reactors in Armenia to replace the existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, Quinn acknowledged that this is indeed a new technology that is in the development and implementation phase. "But Armenia still has time. Ten years. And we would like to see an American company considered for this project," she noted.

Regarding cooperation in border security and management, Quinn noted that this is an important component of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" project, as the route will cross borders, and it is crucial to ensure proper border security. "Therefore, we are determined to cooperate with Armenia, manage the country's borders, and ensure the enhancement of border capacity," she said, adding that, following the signing of the relevant memorandum in Washington on August 8, a group of officials from the border service and migration service was delegated to Armenia for this purpose. According to her, the group has studied the entire length of the Armenian border and prepared a report for the Armenian side, which is almost complete and will be sent to their Armenian partners. Quinn stated that the report outlines all the issues related to Armenia's borders, the potential opportunities, and the methods that will make the borders modern and easily navigable to facilitate interconnected regional projects.

She also spoke about cooperation with Armenia in the area of ​​cybersecurity. The diplomat noted that the US has already sent several teams to Armenia to assist in combating external attacks.