On February 9, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received Bridget Brink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Welcoming the guest, Foreign Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia highly appreciates the partnership relations established with the United States. He added that high level contacts provide a good opportunity to discuss the agenda issues of the Armenia-US friendly partnership and the prospects of further deepening and developing the cooperation.

Thanking for the reception, Bridget Brink noted that the United States considers the partnership relations with Armenia important and is interested in further expansion of the Armenian-American cooperation in different spheres. “I’m proud of the gains we are making in our economic partnership with Armenia. Trade between our two countries is up more than 35% this year and we continue to see new, large-scale US investments coming into Armenia,” - stressed the Deputy Assistant Secretary.

At the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on the political dialogue, expansion of the legal framework, joint steps taken towards the further deepening of economic and trade relations. Both sides highlighted the importance of the activities of the Armenian-American Business Council and the Armenian-American Intergovernmental Commission.

Foreign Minister of Armenia presented the recent developments around the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process, highly valuing the efforts of United States exerted jointly with other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries - Russia and France. The Foreign Minister added that for years the destructive stance of Azerbaijani side in the process of negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship undermines the process and hinders its advancement.

The high ranking US diplomat reaffirmed the commitment of the United States, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, to continue the active involvement towards the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Deputy Assistant Secretary highly assessed Armenia`s active participation in peacekeeping missions.

Edward Nalbandian and Bridget Brink exchanged views on a number of urgent international and regional issues.