Updates
Foreign visits
02
05, 2011
Official visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to the Swiss Confederation
At the invitation of the President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey, President Serzh Sargsyan arrived on May 02 to Geneva on a working visit.
In the framework of the visit, the President of Armenia visited the 25th International Book and Press Fair. After touring the Fair, President Sargsyan spoke about his impressions, noting that the Fair is a significant event on the eve of the 500th anniversary of Armenian book printing and celebrations in Yerevan which has been declared the 2012 Book Capital of the World. Serzh Sargsyan noted with satisfaction that at the 25th Geneva Fair Armenia is honorary guest. “We have the deepest reverence for books which goes back centuries and comes from the times when the first Armenian book had been written in the newly created Armenian alphabet – it was the translation of the Bible. Almost simultaneously created were the masterpieces of the Armenian literature, which in many ways are perfect didactical materials even today. In general, that feat of the 5th century, accomplished by our great forefathers, had become the starting point for the advancement of the Armenian nation, for all subsequent ascents.
As you know, next year we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book printing. I believe, in those times the idea of book printing was as revolutionary in its scope as computers today. Each epoch sets forward its own demands; however for Armenians, Europe has always been the standard of book printing culture, and it is emblematic and quite natural that we are present here, today. UNESCO has declared Yerevan the world Book Capital for 2012; numerous events will be conducted, concerts and exhibitions. We consider such great jubilees and undertakings an excellent opportunity, particularly, for connecting younger generations to book reading. For us, a reading society is a vital necessity. Armenia which is not reading just cannot be. We also take this opportunity to put our libraries in order, to renovate them and open new book-stores, book centers. Construction works of the new unit of the Matenadaran – museum and institute – are almost completed. And the dimensions, scale of that structure is three times bigger than the Matenadaran familiar to you. Very soon, we will commence works on the reconstruction of the Matenadaran proper, so that in fall, we already have a contemporary book depository, studies, and dissemination center, as well as large exhibition halls. Our Public Library and Khnko Aper Children’s Library will also be entirely renovated; ten libraries in the marzes of Armenia will be refurbished. Writers from different states, who will arrive to Yerevan in the framework of international literary programs, will conduct joint discussions on their new and innovative ideas, problems of contemporary literature and, of course, on the topics pertinent to their resolution. Year 2012 is a great opportunity to present our literary heritage to the world. The Armenian thought and spirit created works which deserve international attention and recognition,” President Sargsyan said.
The President of Armenia toured the Armenian pavilion of the Fair and familiarized with the publications from Armenia and Artsakh, observed the “Twelve Capitals of Armenia” presentation and visited Narek Avetissian’s Simulakrum exhibition of Modern Art.
At Geneva, the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan laid a wreath at the cross-stone monument dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. He also met with the representatives of the Armenian community of Switzerland.
President Serzh Sargsyan, who is Switzerland on official visit, met on May 03 in Bern with the President of the National Council of Switzerland Jean-Rene Germanier.
At the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the development of the Armenian-Swiss parliamentary ties and expressed hope that the Armenian-Swiss parliamentary friendship groups, employing opportunities provided by parliamentary diplomacy, will continue to bring their contribution to the development of bilateral relations. The parties stressed the importance of interparliamentary relations not only for bilateral ties but also for multilateral relations to be implemented in the framework of parliamentary assemblies in the international organizations through the active interaction of the delegations of our two countries.
On May 03, President Serzh Sargsyan met also with the President of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey. After the meeting, the leaders of the two states summarized the results of their meeting at the press conference with the participation of mass media.
In the framework of the visit, the President of Armenia visited the 25th International Book and Press Fair. After touring the Fair, President Sargsyan spoke about his impressions, noting that the Fair is a significant event on the eve of the 500th anniversary of Armenian book printing and celebrations in Yerevan which has been declared the 2012 Book Capital of the World. Serzh Sargsyan noted with satisfaction that at the 25th Geneva Fair Armenia is honorary guest. “We have the deepest reverence for books which goes back centuries and comes from the times when the first Armenian book had been written in the newly created Armenian alphabet – it was the translation of the Bible. Almost simultaneously created were the masterpieces of the Armenian literature, which in many ways are perfect didactical materials even today. In general, that feat of the 5th century, accomplished by our great forefathers, had become the starting point for the advancement of the Armenian nation, for all subsequent ascents.
As you know, next year we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book printing. I believe, in those times the idea of book printing was as revolutionary in its scope as computers today. Each epoch sets forward its own demands; however for Armenians, Europe has always been the standard of book printing culture, and it is emblematic and quite natural that we are present here, today. UNESCO has declared Yerevan the world Book Capital for 2012; numerous events will be conducted, concerts and exhibitions. We consider such great jubilees and undertakings an excellent opportunity, particularly, for connecting younger generations to book reading. For us, a reading society is a vital necessity. Armenia which is not reading just cannot be. We also take this opportunity to put our libraries in order, to renovate them and open new book-stores, book centers. Construction works of the new unit of the Matenadaran – museum and institute – are almost completed. And the dimensions, scale of that structure is three times bigger than the Matenadaran familiar to you. Very soon, we will commence works on the reconstruction of the Matenadaran proper, so that in fall, we already have a contemporary book depository, studies, and dissemination center, as well as large exhibition halls. Our Public Library and Khnko Aper Children’s Library will also be entirely renovated; ten libraries in the marzes of Armenia will be refurbished. Writers from different states, who will arrive to Yerevan in the framework of international literary programs, will conduct joint discussions on their new and innovative ideas, problems of contemporary literature and, of course, on the topics pertinent to their resolution. Year 2012 is a great opportunity to present our literary heritage to the world. The Armenian thought and spirit created works which deserve international attention and recognition,” President Sargsyan said.
The President of Armenia toured the Armenian pavilion of the Fair and familiarized with the publications from Armenia and Artsakh, observed the “Twelve Capitals of Armenia” presentation and visited Narek Avetissian’s Simulakrum exhibition of Modern Art.
At Geneva, the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan laid a wreath at the cross-stone monument dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. He also met with the representatives of the Armenian community of Switzerland.
President Serzh Sargsyan, who is Switzerland on official visit, met on May 03 in Bern with the President of the National Council of Switzerland Jean-Rene Germanier.
At the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the development of the Armenian-Swiss parliamentary ties and expressed hope that the Armenian-Swiss parliamentary friendship groups, employing opportunities provided by parliamentary diplomacy, will continue to bring their contribution to the development of bilateral relations. The parties stressed the importance of interparliamentary relations not only for bilateral ties but also for multilateral relations to be implemented in the framework of parliamentary assemblies in the international organizations through the active interaction of the delegations of our two countries.
On May 03, President Serzh Sargsyan met also with the President of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey. After the meeting, the leaders of the two states summarized the results of their meeting at the press conference with the participation of mass media.