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On February 5, President of the RA National Assembly Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Armenia Mission Director Dr. Jatinder Cheema signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Chief of NA Staff, the deputies, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, the guests attended the signing ceremony.

In connection with signing of the document RA NA President Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan said:

“Dear Mrs. Ambassador,

Dear colleagues,

I heartily greet you in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. I am especially glad to tell our American colleagues: ‘Welcome to the Armenian Parliament.’

This meeting marks the beginning of new cooperation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the authorities of the United States of America. By signing this Memorandum of Understanding a new start is given to that cooperation, new programs are launched. The goal of our cooperation is to strengthen the independence of Armenia, to make powerful the capabilities of the legislative power of our country.

The United States of America is one of the most important counterparts of the Republic of Armenia. From the first days of the independence of our country we have felt the attention and care of the United States towards our country. We are grateful to the American people for the aid being displayed for many years.

Those, who are not deeply familiar with the history, sometimes get surprised connected with the current high level of the Armenian-American relations. But there is nothing to be surprised in it. A powerful bridge connects our two countries: the American-Armenian community, which is the subject of our common pride. The good fame of the American-Armenians is the honest work of a number of generations in their new Motherland, and their consolidation is the capital, which enriches our two friendly nations.

Nevertheless, it would be very primitive to explain the relations of our countries only by the existence of the American Armenian community. It’s not less important that our relations are based on general values and interests. We highly assess the respect of the U.S. towards our independence and self-government. That respect is mutual, and our cooperation is anchored on the legal equality of our two states. It’s due to this that our two countries combined their efforts for establishing stability and peace in our region, efforts that are combined not only in the South Caucasus, but also in the far away Kosovo, and soon in Afghanistan.

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

I am very glad that by signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and U.S. Agency for International Development we can announce the beginning of our new cooperation. Taking the advantage I would like to express my gratitude to all the specialists involved from the American, as well Armenian side, due to whose work this solemn ceremony takes place.

I am sure that our new cooperation will be effective, and its outcome will be visible and tangible for all of us during the very short period.”

Mrs. Jatinder Cheema also considered the signing of the memorandum a significant event: combining the efforts and one of the important circles of the government, a good opportunity for making more powerful the legislative body. The speaker expressed conviction that in the effectively and transparently acting parliament high quality laws are born, and due to this defending the citizens’ interests. The USAID representative considered noticeable and impressive the steps directed to adding transparency and accessibility. As achievements she distinguished the parliament Internet website, which has a lot of visitors, as well as the tradition of frequently organizing public hearings and involving in discussions the civil public.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Marie L Yovanovitch expressed satisfaction on the occasion of the participation of the American side in the program, noting that the parliament is a pillar for any powerful and independent country. The Ambassador expects effective cooperation and positive results between the parliament and the USAID.

The signed memorandum confirms the willingness of the cooperation of the two countries and has a goal to raise the role of the legislative power and develop the capabilities of the parliament. By this document it’s envisaged to make legislative reforms, develop the information, expertise, analytical and research opportunities, improve the oversight function of the parliament, give opportunity to the staff to study the international experience.

With this memorandum it is envisaged to form a working group for implementing the defined goals and events.