Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation on March 14 with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The press services of the Armenian Government and the U.S. Department of State issued press releases about the phone talk which run as following:

Press Service of the Armenian Government:

The interlocutors touched upon the issues on the US-Armenian agenda, attached importance to ensuring the continuity of the strategic dialogue in order to develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various spheres. The Prime Minister thanked the American side for its consistent support to Armenia in the democratic reforms, stressed that the further strengthening of democracy is the absolute priority of the Armenian Government, and that our country will resolutely continue to move in that direction.

Nikol Pashinyan and Antony Blinken referred to the processes taking place in the South Caucasus, the situation around Nagorno Karabakh and the escalating tensions.

The parties stressed the need for stability and peace in the region, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, which will contribute to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the US Secretary of State exchanged views on the delimitation and demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the chances for unblocking communications in the region, as well as the ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Turkey.

The sides also referred to the processes taking place in the international arena, including the situation in Ukraine.

Press Service of the U.S. Department of State:

“Secretary Antony J. Blinken spoke with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today.  The Secretary underscored the continuing importance of the U.S. – Armenia bilateral partnership and U.S. commitment to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus.  Noting recent reports of escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, the Secretary called for the sides to show restraint and intensify diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.  

The Secretary urged to continue democratic reforms in Armenia.  The Secretary highlighted the U.S. commitment, alongside other partners, to continue to hold Moscow and its supporters, including the Lukashenka regime in Belarus, accountable for the Kremlin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.”