Updates
Interviews and press conferences
18
01, 2011
President Serzh Sargsyan’s speech at the meeting with the representatives of the mass media in the framework of the state visit to the Hellenic Republic
Thank you very much, Mr. President, for accepting the invitation to visit Armenia, and for the warm welcome extended to us. This is my first visit to Greece in my capacity as the President of Armenia, although I have visited your wonderful and hospitable country many times before. We view these high level visits as the expression of the mutual desire to constantly develop the Armenian-Greek political dialogue. I am happy that we have held with you comprehensive and efficient discussions regarding the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues of mutual interest. We have noted that we can do more and reached the agreement to make additional efforts to elevate the Armenian-Greek cooperation to a new level and impart that cooperation with renewed dynamics. Extensive legal field, which comprises almost 35 agreements, today has been enlarged even further, and has provided our agencies with the opportunity to cooperate more vigorously.
I would like to emphasize the cooperation between our defense structures, considering the fact that activities of these structures are constantly held in the focus of our attention.
We have also noted the importance of the Armenian-Greek Business Forum in Athens and reached conclusion that the economies of Armenia and Greece now are shrugging off the consequences of the crisis; now our entrepreneurs can do many things to overcome the crisis as soon as possible.
We mutually highlighted the importance and necessity of cultural ties and human contacts. I am confident that Days of Armenia in Greece and Days of Greece in Armenia to be organized next year, will be conducted on the highest level and will reinforce our cultural ties and relations between our two friendly nations in general.
I’ve also presented to my Greek counterpart the latest developments in the NK peace process. I reiterated the position of the Armenian side that despite the nonstop threats from Baku to use force, we adhere to our policy to seek the settlement in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group negotiations.
Armenia tried to meet Turkey half-way toward the establishment of the relations more appropriate for two neighboring states; however, Turkey has not displayed necessary political will. I was glad to learn that our friends too are not opposed to Turkey’s membership at the European Union, but the objective is to be achieved through the reconciliation with one’s own past and civilized cooperation with the neighbors. And when Turkey matches up with the European standards, we will be having a more predictable neighbor.
We have also highlighted the importance of a deepened cooperation in international organizations.
Mr. President, in conclusion I would like to once again express hope that the Armenian-Greek cooperation will be growing day by day. Once again, thank you for the warm reception, for your good will, and I am confident that today and tomorrow I will continue to have the most productive meetings here, in Greece.
Thank you.
I would like to emphasize the cooperation between our defense structures, considering the fact that activities of these structures are constantly held in the focus of our attention.
We have also noted the importance of the Armenian-Greek Business Forum in Athens and reached conclusion that the economies of Armenia and Greece now are shrugging off the consequences of the crisis; now our entrepreneurs can do many things to overcome the crisis as soon as possible.
We mutually highlighted the importance and necessity of cultural ties and human contacts. I am confident that Days of Armenia in Greece and Days of Greece in Armenia to be organized next year, will be conducted on the highest level and will reinforce our cultural ties and relations between our two friendly nations in general.
I’ve also presented to my Greek counterpart the latest developments in the NK peace process. I reiterated the position of the Armenian side that despite the nonstop threats from Baku to use force, we adhere to our policy to seek the settlement in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group negotiations.
Armenia tried to meet Turkey half-way toward the establishment of the relations more appropriate for two neighboring states; however, Turkey has not displayed necessary political will. I was glad to learn that our friends too are not opposed to Turkey’s membership at the European Union, but the objective is to be achieved through the reconciliation with one’s own past and civilized cooperation with the neighbors. And when Turkey matches up with the European standards, we will be having a more predictable neighbor.
We have also highlighted the importance of a deepened cooperation in international organizations.
Mr. President, in conclusion I would like to once again express hope that the Armenian-Greek cooperation will be growing day by day. Once again, thank you for the warm reception, for your good will, and I am confident that today and tomorrow I will continue to have the most productive meetings here, in Greece.
Thank you.