ACA Representatives Join U.S. Officials and Armenian Community Leaders in Recognizing Armenia’s Independence and Strengthening U.S.-Armenia Relations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Armenian Council of America (ACA) joined U.S. government officials, diplomats, and Armenian American community leaders at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., for a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence, hosted by the Embassy of Armenia. Representing ACA were Executive Director of Government Relations Taniel Koushakjian and Executive Committee Member Ellen Vartanyan.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Narek Mkrtchyan, welcomed guests and reflected on Armenia’s 35 years of independence, emphasizing the importance of lasting peace, regional stability, and an expanding U.S.-Armenia strategic partnership. He highlighted the August 8, 2025, Washington summit and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiative as important developments in bilateral relations.

The program featured remarks by Jeffrey Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; Peter Andreoli, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; and Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Physical AI Simulation at NVIDIA.

Speakers highlighted opportunities for greater U.S.-Armenia cooperation in advanced technology, semiconductors, energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals. The celebration also recognized cooperation between the Armenian Embassy and the Museum of the Bible, with remarks by Matthias Perttula, the museum’s Director of Executive Affairs. Cultural performances featured Arthur Hakobyan, Araksya Amirkhanyan, Maestro Armen Martirosyan and his orchestra, and duduk performer Jivan Gasparyan Jr.

“Armenia’s independence is a source of pride that Armenians celebrate every day. Today, Armenia stands in a stronger position regionally and internationally than it has in decades, but much work remains,” said Ellen Vartanyan, ACA Executive Committee Member. “Armenian Americans are proud to play a vital role in deepening the U.S.-Armenia partnership, strengthening the bonds between our nations, and helping build a more secure and prosperous future for both countries.

As Armenia enters its 36th year of independence, ACA remains committed to strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations, defending Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, and advancing policies that promote lasting peace and accountability in the South Caucasus.

ACA congratulates the people of Armenia on this historic anniversary and commends Ambassador Mkrtchyan and the Embassy of Armenia for organizing a celebration of Armenian independence and the enduring friendship between the Armenian and American peoples.