YEREVAN, Armenia — In a historic step towards diplomatic relations, Vice President JD Vance arrived in Armenia on Monday, making him the first sitting U.S. vice president to visit the country. This landmark visit comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to facilitate a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, aimed at ending a decades-long conflict.
The vice president was welcomed by an honor guard and a delegation of officials, adorned with Armenian and American flags as he made his way to his meetings. Notably, Vance's arrival coincided with local protests highlighting dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy.
During his visit, Vance is expected to meet with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who recently signed a deal at the White House that aims to reopen vital transportation channels between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although preliminary agreements have been reached outlining a peace treaty, the final signing and ratification by both governments remain pending.
This visit follows Vance's family trip to Milan for the Winter Olympics. He plans to continue to Azerbaijan shortly after his discussions in Armenia.
As part of the peace negotiation process, both Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have joined President Trump's newly formed Board of Peace, initially intended to mediate conflicts related to the Gaza ceasefire but now encompassing broader geopolitical issues.
The ongoing conflict has seen renewed hostilities, culminating in a 2020 war that saw Azerbaijan regain significant territory. With the establishment of a transit route – referred to as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity – both countries aim to foster economic connectivity and diminish longstanding tensions.
As the two nations work towards a comprehensive resolution, the U.S. continues to play a crucial role, underscoring its commitment to peace in a historically tumultuous region.























