WASHINGTON—Anna Hakobyan, the spouse of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, kicked off her visit to the United States by visiting Capitol Hill for a reception hosted by members of Congress.

The reception was organized by Armenian American Members of Congress Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and attended by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-CA) and Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA) as well as Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Katherine Clark (D-MA), T.J. Cox (D-CA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA).

Hakobyan delivered remarks introducing Armenia’s achievements and stating that the country is fully on the path to democracy and ensuring real economic growth. She emphasized that any support by Armenia’s friends to ensure success on this path is welcomed.

In her remarks, Speier stated that the Congress will take every step to ensure economic and assistance to Armenia from the United States.

“We want to be sure that democracy in Armenia not only will be maintained, but also will prosper, and the country will fully develop,” said Rep. Speier.

In his remarks, Schiff praised Armenia-U.S. partnership saying, “We need to raise the partnership of our countries to a new level in order to help your wonderful government to succeed.”

Hakobyan also discussed her “Women for Peace” initiative through which Armenian women call on all women around the world to raise their voice for peace so that no soldiers aren’t killed in the border.

Hakobyan’s visit to Washington started with a tour of the Library of the Congress where she was acquainted with the exhibits on Armenian literature.

She also met with members of the Armenian community, with who she discussed the “My Step” Foundation that aims to advance the goals of her husband’s political alliance, as well as the “City of Smile” charity that she founded to combat pediatric cancer.

Hakobyab will visit Los Angeles, where on Saturday she will deliver a keynote address and be honored at the Armenian American Medical Society’s annual gala. On Sunday, she will preside over the 25th anniversary celebration of Armenia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles. On Monday, Hakobyan will speak at a public gathering at Glendale’s Alex Theater.

http://asbarez.com/178786/anna-hakobyan-kicks-off-u-s-visit-in-washington/