US, Armenia sign agreement on civil nuclear cooperation

Europe, News, US May 4, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

The Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is on an official visit to the U.S. where he met with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 2.

During the meeting between the two diplomats, Armenia and U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU). The MOU comes after the gains made during the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue in 2019. The accord between Yerevan and Washington aims to pave the way for Armenia to diversify its energy supplies.

Nuclear Cooperation deals or the NCMOUs are the diplomatic mechanisms by the U.S. administration that strengthens and expands strategic ties between the U.S. and its partner countries by providing a framework for cooperation and a mutually aligned approach to nonproliferation on civil nuclear issues and for engagement between experts from government, industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions.

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the nuclear agreement between U.S. and Armenia “improves our cooperation on energy security and strengthens our diplomatic relationship.” In another document released by the state department, it was mentioned that the agreement is aimed to help Armenia diversify its energy supplies.

Both diplomats also discussed the ongoing dialogues between Armenia and its neighbors as the Turkey-Armenia ministerial-level normalization talks approach the weeks. These talks are aimed to help Armenia normalize its relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have had frequent disputes with Armenia over a number of issues since World War I, which led to several conflicts and wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenia has appointed its Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan to be the special representative for dialogue with Turkey. While Turkish President Recap Tayyip Erdogan has appointed the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as the head of dialogues.

^{U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signing the memorandum of mutual understanding on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy on May 2, 2022. (Image Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Armenia)}

According to the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department Ned Price, the top diplomats from both countries “discussed Armenia’s progress in implementing democratic, rule of law, and anti-corruption reforms” during their one-on-one meeting.

Ned Price further added that “Secretary Blinken thanked the Foreign Minister for the flexibility Armenia has shown and encouraged further direct talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, underscoring the U.S. commitment to help Armenia and Azerbaijan find sustainable peace and prosperity, including in our capacity as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair”.

The Armenian Foreign Minister is on an official trip to the U.S. from May 2^nd to May 6^th. During his trip, he also met with USAID Director Samantha Power. During the meeting, USAID Director reaffirmed U.S.’s commitment to supporting the Armenian people. The two officials also discussed the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine and its implications on the Armenian economy. Armenian foreign minister would also hold meetings with senior representatives of the U.S. Congress and deliver a speech at the Atlantic Council think tank.