YEREVAN.- Twenty years of diplomatic relations between Armenia and U.S. serve as a good basis for further development of negotiations, strengthening and expanding the partnership, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said during joint press conference with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Yerevan.

According to Nalbandian, the previous visit of Secretary Clinton in Armenia on July 4, 2010, coincided with the U.S. Independence Day and this year is marked by the 20th anniversary of Armenia-US diplomatic relations.

“Coincidence attaches positive symbolism to bilateral relations. Moreover, between the previous and present visits we met several times on the margins of different international forums,” Nalbandian said adding that this visit speaks about Washington’s exceptional attitude towards the region.   

Speaking about warm Armenia-US relations, Nalbandian underscored important role of the Armenian community in U.S. and thanked Hillary Clinton for personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. He gave appraisal of Armenia-US cooperation in the struggle against international terrorism within peacekeeping missions aimed to protect peace and strengthen security.

Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Secretary Clinton for assistance to development of democratic institutions in Armenia and for exceptional contribution to normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations.

Nalbandian pointed out U.S. efforts as a co-chairing state of the OSCE Minsk Group on settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.