President Sargsyan presented Edward Nalbandian To MFA Staff
ArmRadio.am
16.04.2008
Today RA President Serzh Sargsyan presented the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian, to the senior staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President’s Press Office reported.
Noting that on April 13 he signed decrees on appointing the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, Serzh Sargsyan said it was a coincidence, but a coincidence that contains a symbolic meaning. “I’m sure that the diplomat of any country, especially that of Armenia is the front line soldier, the Officer of his country, and carries no less responsibility for the security of Armenia’s borders. I urge all diplomats to constantly remember and be guided by this principle,” the President underlined. According to him, the foreign policy and defense have always been a priority and will remain as such.
Serzh Sargsayn expressed confidence that not only our diplomats but also a considerable part of the society know the newly appointed Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, value his activity, the professional skills, and the results of his work. He expressed confidence that Edward Nalbandian will disclose his capacities and will be useful to our country in his new position.
Once again the President expressed gratitude to Vartan Oskanian, a person who headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 10 years, and dignifiedly presented our country to the world in international organizations and bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that Vartan Oskanian’s experience and skills will be useful in solving the problems our country faces.
Using the opportunity, the leader of the state spoke about some issues of the foreign policy. He said that maintaining its complementary content, in the coming years the foreign policy of Armenia must get more active and initiating, and we should be able to get more actively involved in international life, continue deepening our relations with both friendly countries and international organizations. In this regard, he stressed the importance of creating favorable conditions for the peaceful and fair solution of the Karabakh issue.
According to Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia has always supported the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, the Republic of Armenia is the guarantor of security of the population of Nagorno Karabakh and will continue this policy. “We wish that the Karabakh issue is solved in a peaceful way. We are not afraid of war, but we do not want war, either,” he stressed.
The President prioritized the development of economic ties with friendly countries as one of the most serious foreign policy issues. He noted that political relations with some countries are on a high level, while the economic ties are weak. “There is a great potential here and we should make the best use of it,” he said.
Serzh Sargsyan attached special importance to the work with Diaspora, the issues of maintaining the Armenian national identity, making better use of the Diaspora’s potential.
The President noted also that the issue of international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide will remain on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda.
Newly appointed Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian thanked for trust and said he is assuming office with a great sense of responsibility and is ready to multiple his and his partners’ efforts and opportunities to solve the tasks posed for the foreign agency.
Vartan Oskanian thanked the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and noted that it would be impossible to achieve success without their devoted work. He expressed willingness to have his experience and knowledge serve for the strengthening of Armenia.