Senator Anthony J. Portantino announced that the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange has been re-established for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.  The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins, reauthorized the committee on February 15, 2023.

“California and the Republic of Armenia have a long history of partnership, cooperation, and trade,” stated Portantino. “I am proud to once again serve as Chair of the Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange. By approving this Select Committee, the California State Senate expresses its commitment to expanding relations not only with Armenia, but also with the Republic of Artsakh. Given the recent tragic events that have devastated the country, it is more important than ever that California reaffirms its commitment to Artsakh’s sovereignty and that we continue to strengthen this important partnership.”

At the request of Portantino, the California State Senate Rules Committee first established the historic Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange in 2017 to expand business opportunities through trade, economic development, cultural awareness, and education between California, Armenia, and Artsakh.  Portantino also helped negotiate the historic Memorandum of Understanding between California and Armenia and joined Governor Newsom in New York for its historic, official signing.

As California recently passed Armenian Genocide Education Curriculum for inclusion in social studies textbooks, the opportunity to encourage teacher training and professional development trips would also be a priority of the committee. 

California has the largest population of Armenian Americans in the country, with the 25th Senate District having the largest concentration.  The continued work of the Senate Select Committee will have a direct role in building stronger economic and cultural ties between California, Armenia, and Artsakh.

Members of the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange include Senator Bob Archuleta, Senator María Elena Durazo, Senator Melissa Hurtado, Senator Brian W. Jones, Senator Susan Rubio, Senator Henry I. Stern, Senator Scott Wiener, Senator Caroline Menjivar, and Senator Scott Wilk.