YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan received today the delegation led by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi who arrived in Armenia on an official visit, the Armenian Parliament’s press service said. 

The official welcoming ceremony was followed by the private meeting between Mr. Simonyan and Mrs. Pelosi. Thereafter, the sides joined the extended-format talk.

In his remarks Speaker Alen Simonyan said that the United States plays a key role in Armenia’s political and economic life. 

“Dear friend, your visit to Armenia is taking place at a very difficult period for our country, and it is further appreciated in this regard. As you know, since September 13 Azerbaijan has launched a new phase of aggression against Armenia’s sovereign territory. The Azerbaijani armed forces have brutally bombarded not only the border positions of Armenia, but also numerous settlements and civilian infrastructure. Unfortunately, we have casualties”, Alen Simonyan said.

He thanked for the fragile ceasefire agreement reached at the mediation of the United States in the evening of September 14, as well as expressed gratitude to the US leadership, including many Congressmen for their addressed assessment of the latest developments. 

The sides discussed issues relating to the security of Armenia and the region, including details regarding the further processes in the UN Security Council.

The meeting has also touched upon the further inter-parliamentary cooperation projects. 

At the end of the meeting the Armenian Speaker of Parliament and the Speaker of the US House of Representatives delivered a statement.

In her remarks, the US House Speaker said: “When we travel to any country, security is important for us. We didn’t know that our visit will coincide with the days following the hostilities. In the United States, we are proud of being surrounded by patriotic Armenians who are also our citizens. They are our strength, the key component of our wholeness”. 

After their meeting Alen Simonyan and Nancy Pelosi will give a joint press conference.