RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan met with representatives of the Armenian community in Washington, reports the RA Government news service to “Hayern Aysor”.

Greeting the gathered, the Prime Minister mentioned: “It has been more than a century since our compatriots settled in this distant, but hospitable country with endless opportunities. Living and working in the United States of America for decades, you have become an inseparable part of this country, making your valuable contributions to the country’s development in all fields. We take pride in the great achievements that have helped Armenian Americans have their worthy place in this country and earn the respect and appreciation of the government and people.”

According to Hovik Abrahamyan, since Armenia’s independence, Armenia and the U.S. have established strong interstate relations hinged on mutual respect and confidence, political dialogue has grown, the agenda for cooperation has been broadened, the cooperation has been effective at the international level and sustainable mechanisms have been created for U.S. assistance to Armenia. “Armenia-U.S. relations are growing rapidly, and you Armenian Americans play a role in that as well.

Today, I view the deepening of economic relations as a priority in those relations, and that requires consistent efforts. Armenia feels stronger with the Diaspora’s support. It is hard to overestimate the patriotic acts that Armenian organizations and associations carry out in this country, as well as the patriotic acts of individuals who represent and advance pro-national programs within different U.S. organizations and defend the vital interests of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the Armenia-Diaspora partnership is one of the major strategic directions of the Armenian government. “We now suggest that Diaspora Armenians work with us. We are ready to create opportunities for investments. We are creating mechanisms so that Diaspora Armenians can gain profit in the Homeland. The Armenian government guarantees that. Armenia is an inseparable part of the Diaspora, and the issues facing Diaspora Armenians are on our agenda. The Armenian government is now doing everything possible to mitigate the worries of our compatriots living in the most difficult conditions in the Near East, particularly Syria and Iraq,” the Prime Minister said.

Touching upon the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, Hovik Abrahamyan mentioned: “We will continue our coordinated efforts for international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. Our position is clear-the crime committed against the Armenian nation is not only an issue concerning Armenians, but all mankind, and we view full recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide as the best way to prevent future genocides. The Armenian authorities won’t spare any effort and will use all the possible resources to restore historical justice.

I believe we must respect the memory of our ancestors not only by leading the struggle until we achieve the desired goal, but also by strengthening the Homeland and using the talents and potential of all Armenians for the Homeland. With a strong Armenia, we will get closer to the moment when we will see the triumph of justice.”

According to the Prime Minister, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved as Azerbaijan leads a belligerent policy by unleashing an arms race with funds from petrol sales. Turkey, in its turn, has a strictly subjective position and continues to keep Armenia in a blockade. “All these factors are making us be flexible and prudent when it comes to foreign policy. The Republic of Armenia stays true to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but is also ready to give a proper counterattack to imposed war and prevent even the smallest violations of the enemy to defend the Armenian people and Armenia’s borders. The Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora triumvirate is the only guarantee for our success. Contemporary Armenian history has shown that only through our combined efforts will we be able to overcome the internal and external challenges facing all Armenians around the world,” the Prime Minister said.

Summing up, Hovik Abrahamyan stressed the fact that “if you can’t live in Armenia, you can live for Armenia, its successes and take pride in its achievements”.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister also answered several questions.