YEREVAN, Armenia — In a landmark visit on Monday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance became the first sitting U.S. vice president to set foot in Armenia. This unprecedented visit aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to broker a peace agreement aimed at resolving a long-standing conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.
Upon arrival, Vance and his wife, Usha, were met with ceremonial honors including a red carpet welcome and an honorary guard. The drive to the meeting with Armenian officials featured the display of both Armenian and American flags, despite the presence of demonstrators voicing opposition with signs questioning the support of the Trump administration.
Vance's primary focus during his visit is to meet with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This meeting comes in the wake of a deal signed at the White House in August, which seeks to reopen essential transportation routes and reaffirm a commitment to a peace treaty that has yet to be finalized or ratified by both countries' parliaments.
Following his four-day stay at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Vance will continue his diplomatic mission by traveling to Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
The backdrop of Vance's visit is a volatile historical context, marked by nearly four decades of conflict primarily focused on the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. A significant war in 2020 led to a shift in control, with Azerbaijan reclaiming territory previously held by ethnically Armenian forces. The situation remains sensitive, particularly after a recent military action by Azerbaijan that culminated in the retreat of Armenian residents from the region.
Vance's role in this delicate peace process exemplifies the ongoing U.S. involvement in stabilizing the South Caucasus region.
