US first deputy secretary of state to visit Armenia

The First Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard R. Verma, will visit Yerevan, Armenia from June 17 to 19. This visit aims to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the United States and Armenia.

US State Department, Deputy Secretary Verma will participate in the U.S.-Armenia Local Government Forum on Democracy, Caliber.Az reports citing the US Department of State’s statement.

He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to discuss various issues of mutual interest, including economic collaboration, regional security, and democratic reforms.

“This visit reflects our intention to further strengthen bilateral ties with the Armenian people,” the statement reads.

Verma will lead a delegation of state and local officials representing California, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, and Pennsylvania. He will be accompanied by Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Nina Hachigian, who leads the new subnational diplomacy team at the State Department, and Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau.

The delegation's agenda includes engaging with both the public and private sectors, as well as with civil society organizations. Their participation in the Armenia-U.S. forum is expected to foster dialogue on democratic governance and local government initiatives.

This visit follows the recent trip by the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O'Brien, highlighting the United States' ongoing commitment to supporting Armenia's sovereignty and democratic development.