President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications

President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the RA Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The President toured the Ministry, familiarized with the working conditions of the staff and conversed with the employees about their work, existing problems, and prospects of development. Later, Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the participation of the leadership of the Ministry. At the meeting, Minister Gagik Beglarian presented a report on the results of the activities carried out in 2012 and first nine months of year 2013. First Deputy Minister Hrant Beglarian reported on the activities of the railroad in the same period of time, while Deputy Ministers Artashes Avetissian and Andranik Alexanian presented correspondingly concise briefings on the works conducted by the Ministry in the area of motor traffic and in the area of communication and telecommunication. The Chief of Staff of the Ministry Gagik Grigorian presented main figures related to the work of the Staff. The participants of the meeting were briefed also on the problems and developments related to the North-South Highway investment program for 2012 and nine months of 2013. The briefing was made by the Director of the North-South Highway non-profit organization Arthur Sarkissian.

The President addressed pertinent questions to the responsible officials and issued directions related to a number of raised questions. Speaking about funds allocated for the road construction and other programs, the President stressed the necessity to use them efficiently and to increase the productive of the works. For instance, the maintenance of the roads, according to the President, does imply only snow cleaning. Serzh Sargsyan expressed confidence that if works in that area are organized properly, the durability of the road can be increased significantly.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the President stressed once again that his visits to the Ministries are aimed at learning problems first hand and at finding solutions after discussing them with the responsible officials which will help these government bodies in organization of their activities and in increasing efficiency of the programs implemented by them. As for the efficient work organization, the President of Armenia stressed especially the importance of human resources – proper selection and work with the cadre. “If we are not able to engage young cadre in our activities, we will not get anywhere. We should keep that issue in the focus of our attention on a daily basis. Every high level manager must be working towards engaging people who can solve problems, people who do not shy away from problems, are ready to face any challenge and to work around the clock. We have to be extremely considerate towards such people. We will not be able to keep them by solving social problems only, i.e. by increasing salaries and encouraging. People need extra attention, cordial words, commendation of their work. We should be able to use properly experience of senior generations, augmenting it with the vigor of the young,” the President underscored.

Serzh Sargsyan concluded his meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications by awarding a group of employees. The Head of the Economic, Financial and Accounting Department Vanya Atiyan, Leading Specialist of the Shipping Desk of the Transportation Department Ruzanna Ayvazian, Deputy Head of the Mail Department Tsovinar Galstian, Director General of the Republican Center of Communications non-profit organization Ashot Verdian for their years-long and diligent work received Letters of Commendation from the President.