United States backs Armenian Government's 'Crossroads of Peace' project

The United States of America supports the "Crossroads of Peace" project initiated by the Republic of Armenia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press conference ahead of the tripartite meeting with the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

“For Armenian regional integration is a key to security and prosperity and we support the ideas at the heart of the Crossroads of Peace initiative.

We see a more integrated South Caucasus with new transportation routes, energy cooperation, telecommunications," said Blinken.

 

He stated that it would contribute to diversified economies, expanding opportunities and promote peace and reconciliation efforts.

According to the Secretary of State, there is a powerful future with a region that is increasingly integrated and that will benefit people and every connected countries.

"And the United States, the European Union want to help you build that," Blinken said, adding that he looks forward to a productive discussion.

''We are here to reaffirm Trans-Atlantic support for democratic, prosperous future for the Armenian people and a more integrated and a more peaceful South Caucasus region. We share the Armenian people’s vision for the future, we want Armenia to take its place as a strong, independent nation in peace with its neighbors, connected to the region and the world. The United States and the European Union both want to be partners in this effort. And today is the evidence of that ” Secretary Blinken said.

“We have to harness this moment of choice for the Armenian people and its leaders. The United States is investing in efforts that are aligned with the Prime Minister’s governance and economic reforms. We plan to provide over $65 million in assistance from our budget funds, more than 50 present two years ago.

Blinken noted that they intend to further increase their support for Armenia's democracy and economic resilience by investing in food security, digital infrastructure, energy diversification, diversification of trade partners, and other priorities set by the Prime Minister.

He noted that the US will continue to support more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. 

Addressing the support of the forcibly displaced Armenian population from Nagorno Karabakh, the Secretary of State, in particular, noted: "We will continue to support 100 thousand ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.'' 
He noted that it is crucial for Armenia's long-term stability and prosperity, as well as its regional security.