Armenia's Independence Day Marked in Washington, D.C.

On October 30, a reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia was held at the Meridian International Center. The event was attended by high-ranking U.S. officials, ambassadors accredited in the U.S., representatives of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps, representatives of the American business community, honorary consuls of the Republic of Armenia, and representatives of the Armenian community. This was reported by the embassy.

In his speech, Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan congratulated the attendees on the anniversary of Armenia's independence, emphasizing the historical value of independence. The ambassador presented the original ballot from the 1991 independence referendum as a symbol of the people's united will to have an independent state.

Referring to recent regional developments, the ambassador stressed the historic significance of the peace agreement signed on August 8 at the White House with the mediation of President Donald Trump. Narek Mkrtchyan thanked his colleagues in the U.S. administration for their consistent support for Armenia, emphasizing the importance of further deepening the relations between the two countries based on peace, democracy, and mutual respect.

Jonathan Askonas, a representative of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff, also delivered a speech at the event. He congratulated the attendees on the anniversary of independence and reaffirmed the U.S.'s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The cultural part of the event featured the mono-operas "Reflections" and "Dialogue" by Armenian composer Shushan Sargsyan. Vahagn Hayrapetyan, a pianist, composer, and the founder-leader of the avant-garde-jazz-rock band "Cats," performed a jazz piece.