Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Natalie Agazarian
Editor
On Wednesday, November 20, the Armenian Studies Program hosted the United States Ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, on campus, to discuss U.S.-Armenian relations.
The event was attended by the Armenian Studies Program faculty, including Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Dr. David Zakarian, and Dr. Hagop Ohanessian. Special guests included Fresno State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Xuanning Fu; Dean of the Division of Continuing and Global Education, Dr. Scott Moore; and Assistant Vice President for International Affairs, Eddie West. Executive officers of the Armenian Studies Organization, including President Harutyun Amirkhanyan and Vice-President Careen Derkalousdian, and Hye Sharzhoom staff also joined the gathering.
Ambassador Kvien shared insights into her political career, highlighting her interest in the former Soviet Union. While she had not previously traveled to Armenia before her appointment in December of 2022, her familiarity with its Soviet-era history fueled her enthusiasm to begin her service in Armenia – a role that she continues to find rewarding.
Kvien addressed questions regarding Armenia’s ongoing relations with Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia, providing an objective analysis on the United States’ military, social, and ideological involvement in the region.
The Armenian Studies Program, its students, and Fresno State faculty were honored to host Ambassador Kvien and greatly appreciated her valuable insights.