Why is the US Assistant Secretary of State visiting Armenia?

US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien will embark on a three-day visit to Armenia from June 10-12.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and address the ongoing peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.

O'Brien's visit will focus on “US support for progress on a durable and dignified peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the use of the Alma Ata declaration as a basis for border delimitation,” Caliber.Az quotes a U.S. State Department statement as saying.

The Alma Ata Declaration, signed in 1991, serves as a foundational document for post-Soviet republics in recognizing mutual borders and sovereignty.

In addition to peace talks, the assistant secretary of state will also lead a US-Armenia strategic dialogue meeting to assess significant progress in strengthening bilateral relations, discuss the next steps, and meet with “members of the business community and will engage civil society.”