Secretary Clinton’s visit highlighted the U.S. Government’s strong partnership with Armenia, U.S. Embassy in Armenia reported.

In 2010 the U.S. Government will provide over $45 million in foreign aid aimed at reducing poverty, improving rule of law, providing better access to health care and strengthening private sector and infrastructure, U.S. Embassy informed NEWS.am. In addition, in 2010 the Millennium Challenge Corporation will distribute over $60 million to fund renovation of irrigation systems and farmer education.

The Embassy notes that most recently, the U.S. Government-funded two-year Global Development Alliance project “Health for Families” was launched on July 1 together with World Vision to improve health care in the most remote districts in Armenia by improving preventive health care counseling and the management of common chronic diseases; and the Alternative Resources in Media project was launched on June 30 in partnership with the Internews Media Support NGO, the Yerevan Press Club and the Eurasia Partnership Foundation to support Armenian media outlets and bring independent and quality news to the Armenian public.

In the last twenty years the U.S. Government has spent over $1.8 billion on foreign assistance programs in Armenia.

In the course of her visit Hillary Clinton met with RA President Serzh Sargsyan and Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, as well as the leaders of civil society. The Secretary also made a private visit to the Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd as a sign of respect for the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in 1915.