ORANGE COUNTY—House Foreign Affairs Committee chairmen Ed Royce, Republican from Orange County, will attend the 99th Armenian Genocide commemorations ceremonies at Dzidzernagapert, reported the Orange County Register.

Royce, who has long championed US recognition of the Genocide, will lead a Congressional delegation to the region, which will include a stop in Armenia.

According to the OC Register, Royce’s trip will begin in Ukraine. He is also scheduled to travel to Azerbaijan.

“Armenia is a country struggling to build democracy and prosperity in a rough neighborhood. This was the first genocide of the past century and must be remembered. The U.S. has strong energy and regional security interests in Azerbaijan,” Royce told the OC Register in an email.

The Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian welcomed Royce’s delegation trip to Armenia calling it “an excellent opportunity for Members of Congress to see, first hand, the prospects and challenges facing the landlocked and blockaded country and explore ways to build a stronger U.S. – Armenia relationship.”

“Their visit on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is a testament to the Chairman’s commitment to truth and a clarion call for justice for this crime,” added Hamparian.