WASHINGTON—In an example of the State Department’s expanding digital diplomacy and diasporan engagement, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills took part in an online Facebook exchange last week with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) regarding the growth of the U.S.-Armenia economic partnership, a shared priority for both the Department of State and Americans of Armenian heritage.
“We welcome this transparent exchange of views with our diplomatic corps on pressing bilateral economic priorities, and look forward to similarly open, honest discussions about U.S. policy on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh/NKR), the Armenian Genocide, and other issues as well,” said ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian. “We commend Ambassador Mills and our mission in Yerevan for leaning forward on social media, constructively using Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to engage Americans in the vital work of U.S. diplomacy.”
The Facebook exchange, echoed on Twitter, followed an ANCA comment on an Embassy post about the Ambassador’s recent speech at the American Chamber of Commerce on U.S.-Armenia relations. In this comment, Executive Director Aram Hamparian had asked for updates regarding three ANCA priorities: An MCC STEM education grant for Armenia, a Double Tax Treaty, and direct U.S. to Armenia flights.
ANCA Board member Aida Dimejian recently highlighted the importance of a Double Tax Treaty in a video message, noting that it would “reinforce the friendship of the American and Armenian peoples, anchoring Armenia to the West and providing Yerevan with greater strategic options and independence in dealing with regional powers.”
