US Ambassador Lynne Tracy speaks of priorities in Armenia (video)

US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy has talked about her diplomatic mission in Armenia, highlighting her priorities in the country in a recently released video conversation.

In the footage, the diplomat talks with a FlEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program alumna who spent an academic year of her high school in the State of Ohio, the ambassador's birthplace.

Ms Tracy speaks of the shared values uniting the people in Armenia and the United States, expressing her enthusiasm with last year's ''Velvet Revolution'' as an important moment solidifying the partnership. ''Armenia has seen a lot of changes since April 2018. The United States and Armenia share many democratic values, and I look forward to supporting Armenia's democratic reforms agendа during my tenure here.''

The ambassador shares her positive impressions of Armenia's favorable geographic climate for the development of agriculture. ''I am eager to learn more about the agriculture in Armenia which it is dear to my heart, since my family own a farm in Ohio. I know how important it is to support farmers and I am happy that agricultural and assistance been at the heart of the US Government's 25-year partnership with Armenia.''

Ms Tracy also speaks about the bright future of the information technologies in the country. She praises տհե young Armenians' creativity for advancing the country’s potential to compete globally in IT. “I will continue the Embassy’s work to deepen the business and trade ties with Armenia, and the IT sector to help boost prospects for economic growth and international investments.”

The ambassador further stresses the role of security as a vital component in any country’s policy building efforts. “Our relationship with Armenia on security issues is strong, including our state partnership program with the State of Kansas. I appreciate Armenia’s commitment troops to peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and the cooperation with NATO and the UN. In today’s world, it is crucial to do all we can to work for peace and conflict resolution. ”

The ambassador says she was also greatly excited to visit the Opera House in Yerevan. “I first heard the world-famous Sword Dance as a student; this piece remains the favorite of mine to this day,” she adds.