Armenia`s Deputy FM briefs USAID official, U.S. Congressmen on South  Caucasus security 

ArmInfo. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan, as part of his visit to  Washington, held separate meetings with Acting Deputy Administrator  of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) James Hope  and Co-Chairs of the U.S.  Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues  Frank Pallone and David G. Valadao.

As reported by the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry,  during the meeting the interlocutors touched upon the programs  implemented by USAID in Armenia, and also discussed the prospects for  the implementation of new ones. The importance of the reform program  implemented by the Armenian government and joint work aimed at  developing institutional capacity in Armenia was noted.

In the context of ensuring the economic development of the region,  issues of unblocking regional economic and transport channels were  discussed. Kostanyan presented the "Crossroads of the World" concept  developed by the RA government and emphasized Armenia's firm approach  to opening communications based on the principles set out in the  project.

At the meeting with American legislators, the Deputy Foreign Minister  emphasized the importance of signing the Charter on Strategic  Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of  America. He noted that the document is aimed at further strengthening  relations between the two countries, expanding cooperation and  providing new opportunities aimed at increasing Armenia's  sustainability and economic development.

Kostanyan highly appreciated the support provided by the United  States to Armenia, emphasizing Armenia's readiness to deepen  bilateral cooperation with the new administration and implement the  goals of the Charter of Strategic Partnership. The bipartisan support  of the US legislature for deepening relations with Armenia was  emphasized.

The Deputy Minister also presented to the interlocutors the security  situation in the South Caucasus, the challenges to establishing  peace, and the efforts and vision of the Armenian government to  overcome them.