Onnik James Krikorian
Executive Summary:The Charter of Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States, signed in January 2024 under the then-outgoing administration, aligns with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s strategy to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia, despite Moscow’s concerns and diplomatic engagements following the signing.
The charter opens pathways for Armenia to modernize its nuclear sector, particularly by securing U.S. technology to replace its Soviet-era reactor by 2036, and strengthening Armenia’s development of artificial intelligence (AI).
U.S. cooperation in border security aims to counter illicit trade and re-exports, potentially reducing Russian influence while increased Armenian control over borders with Iran and Türkiye signals broader geopolitical realignment.
During a visit to Washington, D.C. on February 5, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed that Armenia hopes “to open a new page in relations with the United States” (Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, February 5). This hope was in reference to the Charter of Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States signed on January 14 to strengthen bilateral relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 14). The signing of the charter occurred just days before the last administration left the White House.
The areas covered in the charter include economic and energy cooperation, defense and security, democracy and human rights, and cultural and education exchanges. It also came soon after the Biden administration decided to suspend a Strategic Partnership Charter between the United States and Georgia signed in 2009 (Civil Georgia, November 30, 2024). This followed the contested parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024, and ongoing protests in Tbilisi (See EDM, October 17, November 5, 2024, January 13, February 4).
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