“Dear Americans,
I take great pleasure in joining you for the virtual celebration of the 244th Independence Day of the United States. The current global instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the normalcy of our lives. Being unable to share a traditional live celebration with our friends from the U.S. Embassy, I address you with this video message and extend to you our warmest congratulations and best wishes as you celebrate the 4th of July.
Over a hundred years ago the Republic of Armenia and the United States established diplomatic relations for the first time. Thereupon our nations maintain a unique connection marked by mutual sympathy and trust. Since Armenia’s independence in 1991, our two nations have been working closely to lay the foundations for a collaborative partnership in many fields, including regional and global security, fight against terrorism, non-proliferation and peacekeeping.
In the past few years Armenia has made remarkable progress toward democratic development, creating new opportunities for a much stronger partnership and cooperation between our nations. Our political relations were raised to the level of a Strategic Dialogue with the inaugural session convened in Yerevan in May 2019. We value the engaging character of our renewed dialogue, which enables us to discuss and expand our current common agenda. We appreciate the annual U.S. bilateral financial assistance to Armenia, including the recent assistance package of $5.4 million, which is part of the global effort to combat the pandemic.
I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Armenian Government and our people to once again convey our respect and gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for passing two landmark resolutions on the Armenian Genocide. As a strong advocate for the protection of international human rights, Armenia stands ready to work with the United States on ensuring that crimes against humanity are prevented and condemned. With this vision in mind, Armenia joined the U.S.-led Alliance to protect Religious Freedoms, and we look forward to work with our U.S. colleagues towards ensuring the protection of religious minorities in the Middle East – a key to stability in our broader neighborhood.
We deeply appreciate the consistent efforts of the United States in its capacity as one of the three OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in our region. For the Armenian people the unresolved conflict remains a critical challenge for the very physical security of our compatriots in Nagorno Karabakh. We aim at a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict, in which the security of Nagorno Karabakh and its status, without limitations, represent the highest priorities.
I also want to acknowledge the important role of the Armenian-Americans in forging stronger friendship and cooperation between our nations. They are dedicated citizens and patriots of the United States, their adopted home, successfully integrated in the fabric of the American society. Remaining strongly attached to their identity and civilizational roots as Armenians, they stand out in many ways as direct participants in building partnerships in practically every field of our bilateral cooperation.
Once again, a very happy birthday to the land of liberty and democracy, and happy Independence Day to our American friends. My heartfelt wishes for peace, growth and prosperity of your distinguished nation. I express my words of encouragement to all Americans during these challenging times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The people and the Government of the United States have demonstrated time and again perseverance, capacity and collective spirit in the face of challenges. I am confident that a festive spirit that usually accompanies the 4th of July celebrations remains as strong as ever.
Long Live the United States of America
Long Live Armenia
Long Live the Armenian-American friendship”.
