[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 133 (Monday, August 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING PRIME MINISTER NIKOL PASHINYAN AND THE ENDURING AMERICAN-
                          ARMENIAN PARTNERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ABRAHAM J. HAMADEH

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 17, 2026

  Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with tremendous 
respect to recognize Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the enduring 
American-Armenian partnership.
  Armenia stands among the world's oldest civilizations, preserving a 
rich cultural and spiritual heritage that has endured for millennia. 
Today, under his leadership, Armenia finds itself at a defining moment 
in its modern history. His government's efforts to strengthen 
democratic institutions, secure lasting peace, and expand Armenia's 
partnerships with the United States and Europe have earned the 
attention and admiration of many who recognize the significance of this 
historic opportunity.
  The growing strategic partnership between the United States and 
Armenia reflects this remarkable progress. President Trump's leadership 
to join him and President Ilham Aliyev in signing a trilateral Joint 
Declaration marked an important milestone in advancing peace and 
stability in the South Caucasus. His meetings with President Trump, his 
participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos at his invitation, 
and Armenia's role as a founding member of the Board of Peace 
initiative, demonstrate a shared commitment to diplomacy, regional 
stability, and a stronger United States-Armenia relationship.
  His efforts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan represent one of 
the most consequential diplomatic initiatives in Armenia's modern 
history. Following his party's victory in the June 2026 parliamentary 
elections, the Armenian people entrusted his government with a renewed 
mandate to pursue a permanent peace. The successful conclusion of 
negotiations on the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and 
Interstate Relations reflects both political courage and a commitment 
to reconciliation after decades of conflict.
  The enduring friendship between our nations is further strengthened 
by the extraordinary Armenian-American community. For generations, 
Armenian-Americans have made remarkable contributions to business, 
science, technology, philanthropy, and public life.
  As our nations continue building upon more than a century of 
friendship, I remain confident that the United States and Armenia will 
deepen their partnership in ways that advance regional stability, 
expand economic opportunity, and promote lasting peace.

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