YEREVAN. – The Minister of Education and Science of Armenia, Armen Ashotyan, on Monday received newly appointed US Ambassador Richard Mills.

First, the minister congratulated the American ambassador on commencing his diplomatic mission in Armenia, and expressed a conviction that Mills will give new impetus to the current high-level of Armenian-American relations in the domains of science and education.

In addition, Ashotyan thanked the ambassador in connection with the several USAID (United States Agency for International Development)- and US Embassy-assisted education programs that have been implemented in Armenia.

At the meeting, the parties also reflected on the idea of founding an American Studies Center at Yerevan State University. Ashotyan added that his ministry underscores the teaching of foreign languages in the public schools of Armenia.

Armen Ashotyan also spoke about the avenues for the expansion and development of cooperation between the institutions of higher education in Armenia and in the US.

Ambassador Mills, for his part, asked particularly about the ongoing reforms in Armenia in the domain of inclusive education. In response, the minister informed that the respective additions and amendments are made in the country’s laws on education and public education. As a result, there will be fewer special schools in Armenia, and solely special immersion schools will function in the country.

Furthermore, and at the US ambassador’s request, the minister spoke about the Armenian government priorities in the domain of science.

At the end of the talk, Armen Ashotyan presented Richard Mills a forget-me-not prepared by the students of a special school in Kapan city, and which symbolizes the centenary of the Armenian Genocide.