Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan recently traveled to Armenia to participate in the inaugural United States-Armenia Local Democracy Forum, organized by the U.S. Department of State. The forum aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, explore economic opportunities, and promote cultural and educational exchanges between Armenia, Glendale, and the broader United States.
In her remarks, Asatryan expressed her honor at being invited to represent Glendale, which has a significant Armenian diaspora population. She emphasized the importance of creating lasting positive impacts and highlighted the potential for mutual benefits between Glendale and Armenia. Asatryan committed to strengthening and enhancing Sister City relationships and looked forward to future collaborative efforts.
During the visit, Asatryan joined the delegation in paying respects at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, honoring the memory of over 1.5 million Armenians from 1915 onwards. The visit underscored the shared history and resilience of Armenian communities worldwide.
Accompanied by Sam Aseffa, director of the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Asatryan visited Glendale’s Sister City, Kapan. They met with Mayor Gevorg Parsyan and other county representatives to discuss redevelopment sites and future collaborations. Key topics included wildfire prevention, emergency response, and establishing student and educational exchanges. Kapan, located in the Syunik region, became a Sister City to Glendale in 2006, with the California Legislature later establishing Sister States between California and Syunik.
Asatryan also visited Gyumri, where she met with Mayor Samvel Balasanyan and other municipal officials. They toured the Gyumri Technology Center and participated in panel discussions on IT development, public-private partnerships, climate change response, and tourism promotion. Asatryan shared insights on Glendale’s sustainability efforts, economic development, and entertainment and tourism industries.
In Gyumri, Asatryan attended the opening of the third housing project of the “My Gyumri” Program, which provided 50 new apartments to families affected by the 1988 earthquake. The initiative was supported by Armenia Fund and Robert Oghlakhchyan, owner of the U.S.-based ARTN TV company, originally from Gyumri.
Throughout her visit, Asatryan engaged with local and global leaders on strategies for community engagement and strengthening social services. In the Friendship City, Kentron District, she met with District Head Petros Petoyan and visited Armenia’s Women’s Center, exploring partnerships with the Glendale YWCA and domestic violence response training by the Glendale Police Department. Asatryan also met with women entrepreneurs and CEOs to discuss the California Equal Pay Pledge and opportunities for supporting women in various sectors.
Upon her return, Asatryan proposed a discussion on structuring all Sister City relations, which will be reviewed by the council. She aims to enhance communication and partnerships with Sister Cities Kapan and Gyumri, and Friendship City Kentron District. Plans for a Glendale Sister City delegation trip in late September are underway.
