John Bickley

Amanda, thanks for reporting.

You're welcome.

Vice President Vance became the first president or vice president in American history to travel to Armenia this week.

He met Monday with Armenia's prime minister, who signed a document reaffirming Armenia's commitment to peace with Azerbaijan, a peace negotiated six months ago by President Trump after more than 30 years of conflict.

The vice president also announced a deal for the U.S.

to sell Armenia $11 million in drone technology and that the two countries are working on a civil nuclear agreement.

Joining us to discuss is Stepan Sarksyan, who is from Armenia and is a former governor who works closely with the prime minister.

Stepan, thank you so much for joining us.

It's a pleasure.

Thanks for the invitation.

So many Americans are familiar with the peace deal worked out last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but not many people know the history of that conflict and particularly why the U.S.

got involved.

Can you give us some context there?

Now, you personally helped organize the first ever national prayer breakfast in Armenia, and you were inspired by the U.S.

Obviously, the Christian heritage of Armenia goes back centuries to the 300s.

Do you see many refugees from countries that persecute Christians flowing into Armenia?

Now, you mentioned the strategic location of Armenia, in particular when it comes to trade.

The Trump trade routes are a major part of these negotiations.

Where do things stand now with those talks?

Well, truly transformative negotiations taking place right now and really exciting to see the American vice president for the first time ever in your country.