California’s Relationship with Armenia and Artsakh Highlighted

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region Board members and staff recently met with State Senator Anthony Portantino to discuss issues of concern to the Armenian American community in California and to brief the Senator on ANCA-Western Region’s HyeTahd priorities for the coming year.

During the meeting, Senator Portantino reported about the progress made in Armenia-California relations following the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the State of California and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on September 24, 2019 to promote Trade and Investment between the State of California and the Republic of Armenia. Moreover, Senator Portantino highlighted the important role Impact Hub Yerevan has played through the establishment of the California Trade and Services Desk in Yerevan in identifying the key challenges to increasing trade relations between California and Armenia.

“One of the logistical challenges Armenia based business owners face is the absence of consistent international air cargo capacity from Yerevan to California and vice versa,” said Senator Portantino during the meeting with ANCA-Western Region. “Many businesses in Armenia have expressed interest in exporting their products to California if air cargo space becomes available, and I would like to help find a solution to this issue in order to further mutual benefit.”

ANCA-Western Region representatives reaffirmed their commitment to support the State of California in the realization of the goals of the 2019 Framework Agreement, especially in promoting Armenia-California cooperation in the fields of Alternative Energy and Related Clean Technologies, Health and Biotechnology, Information Technologies, Trade and Commerce, Arts and Culture, and Emergency Preparedness and Response. Moreover, the ANCA-Western Region offered its resources to ensure that additional sector specific action plans focusing on the goals of the Framework Agreement are fully realized in coming years.

ANCA-Western Region representatives also highlighted the need for California Legislators to reaffirm their commitment to the right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh and strong condemnation of Azerbaijan’s ongoing campaign of genocidal intent against the Armenian Nation.

“Senator Portantino is one of our closest friends and allies in public office, and we greatly value his extensive knowledge and deep sense of commitment to our issues. As always, we had an open and frank discussion with him on a broad range of topics, including the need to reaffirm California’s strong position against Azerbaijan’s continued attacks against the Armenian people ,” said Nora Hovsepian, Esq., Chair of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “In the coming months, we will be working closely with Senator Portantino on a variety of matters which are of paramount importance to our community.”

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.