Armenia and United States Conclude Civil Nuclear Cooperation Talks, Announce $9 Billion Energy Initiative
Yerevan, 9 February 2026. Armenia and the United States have formally concluded negotiations on a bilateral agreement covering cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, marking a significant development in the two countries’ expanding strategic partnership. The joint statement was signed in Yerevan by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Vice President Vance emphasized that the agreement creates a framework for substantial commercial engagement between Armenian and American companies in the civilian nuclear sector. According to him, the initial phase of cooperation is expected to include up to $5 billion in U.S. exports, followed by an estimated $4 billion in long-term contracts related to nuclear fuel supply and technical servicing.
Vance noted that the initiative will contribute to strengthening energy security in Armenia while also supporting job creation in both countries. He highlighted that the agreement paves the way for the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the transfer of advanced American nuclear technologies, underlining that such technology exports are undertaken by the United States only in limited and highly trusted partnerships.
Prime Minister Pashinyan described the agreement as a milestone in Armenian–U.S. relations, stating that it opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. He stressed that the partnership will support Armenia’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and integrate safe, innovative technologies aligned with international standards.
In addition to the nuclear agreement, Pashinyan announced that U.S. authorities have approved export licenses for the delivery of a new batch of high-performance Nvidia microchips to Armenia, a move he characterized as important for the country’s technological and economic development.
The Armenian Prime Minister also underscored the political significance of Vice President Vance’s visit, calling it a crucial step toward the institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and toward deepening strategic ties between Yerevan and Washington. He confirmed that he has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, scheduled for 19 February.
During a subsequent press conference, Vice President Vance publicly expressed his support for Pashinyan ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections planned for June. He stated that advancing a sustainable peace framework remains a priority and emphasized the importance of political stability in Armenia for the long-term success of regional and bilateral initiatives.
The agreement reflects Washington’s growing engagement in Armenia’s energy sector and signals a broader alignment between the two countries across economic, technological, and geopolitical dimensions.
Source: Armenia Today
Original reporting: © 2026 Armenia Today
Used as a factual reference in accordance with international copyright and journalistic standards.
Written by Olha Pashchenko
Olha Pashchenko
Contributing writer at EUReflect.