Tigran Sarkisian Presents Credentials to President Obama

WASHINGTON, DC — Armenia’s former prime minister Tigran Sarkisian, who was appointed ambassador to the United States late last month, handed his credentials to President Barack Obama in a ceremony in Washington this week.

According to the press office of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the event on July 14, Ambassador Sarkisian noted the “high-level and efficient cooperation” that Armenian-American relations are distinguished by. He was quoted as saying that there is great potential for the development of relations between the two countries and that his mission will be aimed at “broadening the scope of mutually beneficial cooperation and interaction.”

For his part, President Obama expressed confidence that the newly appointed Armenian ambassador will make the best use of his “vast knowledge and experience” for “deepening the relations between the two friendly nations”, the Armenian Ministry said.

The American leader also reportedly stressed the great importance that Washington attaches to the relations with Armenia that are based on “mutual respect and interests” as well as to “partnership in international peacekeeping missions and cooperation aimed at strengthening democracy and economic growth.” According to the report, Obama also stressed Washington’s appreciation of Armenia’s commitment to achieving a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and enhancing security in the South Caucasus.

Both sides stressed that the Armenian community of the United States has an important role in the development of friendly relations between the two countries.

Sarkisian, 54, resigned as Armenia’s prime minister in April, giving no clear reasons for his move. He had served as head of the Armenian government for six years. Prior to that, Sarkisian was the governor of Armenia’s Central Bank for 10 years.