U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry highlights the role of Armenia for the United States at the press briefing with Armenia’s FM Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday, Armenian News-NEWS.am reports.

“It’s my pleasure today to welcome Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian from Armenia. And for me, it is a particular pleasure to welcome him because I think everybody knows Massachusetts is home to one of the largest populations of Armenians outside of Armenia, so we’re very happy,” said Kerry.

He added that he has “many, many friends in the Armenian community” and for years he has worked with friends in Armenia on a number of different issues.

“Armenia today is an important partner with United States in a number of initiatives. Importantly, they’re helping us in Afghanistan with ISAF, they’ve played a key role in Kosovo helping to keep peace there”, stressed John Kerry. “One of the most issues, obviously, that we all really want to try to see resolved one day is the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

According to the U.S. Secretary of State, it is critical that all the parties – “when I say all the parties, I mean, obviously, the Azerbaijanis, but also Turkey, Russia, Iran, others” – try to find a way to help break the impasse that has kept this struggle alive and always potentially dangerous.

“So my hope is that we will talk about that a little bit today,” concluded Kerry.

He also noted other issues of great importance to both Armenia and the United States: the economic partnership, the development of the economy and strengthening of democracy, “and the security of our friends, the Armenian people.”

“So Mr. Foreign Minister, we’re very, very happy to welcome you here today,” added Secretary Kerry.