Expert explains what US strategic partnership deal means for Armenia
Political analyst Suren Sargsyan has shared his insights on the strategic partnership agreement to be signed between Armenia and the United States in Washington on Tuesday.
“The document envisages the deepening of relations between Armenia and the U.S. in multiple spheres,” he wrote on Facebook.
The expert highlighted Georgia's designation as a U.S. strategic partner in 2009, stressing the need for realistic expectations regarding strategic partnership deals.
"A strategic partnership is not the same as a strategic alliance," Sargsyan stressed. “Unlike the U.S. alliances with Israel or the United Kingdom, this partnership does not include security guarantees, military aid or the supply of arms and ammunition to Armenia. Additionally, it does not envisage the deployment of a U.S. military base or American troops to Armenia.”
“The agreement focuses on enhancing the Armenia-U.S. security cooperation through advisory programs, military-to-military contacts and opportunities for professional military education under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. The partnership will also continue Armenia's longstanding collaboration with the Kansas National Guard.
“The agreement also covers economic development, reforms, human rights and social programs. In the energy sector, there is an apparent interest in deploying American small modular nuclear power plants to Armenia.
"The key question now is whether the agreement, signed with the outgoing Biden administration, will be implemented under the incoming Trump administration. This is more challenging and will depend entirely on Armenia's efforts," Sargsyan penned.