The United States Agency for International Development will more than double its assistance allocation to Armenia to $250 million, according to a new agreement signed by Yerevan and the U.S. aid agency.
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and USAID’s Armenia Mission Director, John Allelo, on Wednesday signed an amendment to an existing grant agreement between Armenia and the U.S. that will more than double the USAID assistance, from its original threshold of $120 million, and expand the scope of joint programs, according to a statement.
The enhanced agreement will include key sectors such as disaster risk management, cybersecurity, food and energy security, regional cooperation and trade, democratic processes and inclusive economic development.
“What’s important for Armenia isn’t only the financial assistance, but also the democratic values that are promoted as a result of our joint programs, the creative ideas and developed business culture,” Grigoryan said, adding that the projects help to implement fundamental reforms and increase the quality of life of people.
“This amendment shows our commitment to our partnership with Armenia,” USAID Armenia Mission Director John Allelo said, according to a readout issued by the government’s press service.
“By increasing the volume of our support and expanding our programs we are helping Armenia to develop and succeed. Our work with the Armenian government and ministries is crucial in achieving our common goals,” he added.
The USAID Administrator, Samantha Power, visited Armenia earlier this summer and pledged increased U.S. allocations for the tech sector, democracy building and also assistance to displaced Artsakh Armenians.
The announcement on Wednesday does not specify whether the additional assistance is contingent on the signing of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which American officials have said should be done as soon as possible, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging Yerevan and Baku to make “tough compromises.”
While the sectors that will benefit from the increased USAID funding have been identified, the agency has yet to announce the specific projects it will be funding and how those programs will advance reforms in Armenia.
