President receives newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan received newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Shombi Sharp.

The President of Armenia congratulated Mr. Sharp on appointment, wished him every success and expressed the hope that his long experience and broad knowledge of the region might help him accomplish his mission in Armenia in the best possible manner.

“A quarter of a century after Armenia’s accession to the UN and the establishment of its office in Yerevan, the United Nations is perceived as an embodiment of peace, cooperation and development in Armenia. In this regard, the activities carried out by your office are crucial to our society.

Highly appreciative of Armenia’s ongoing cooperation with the United Nations, we are trying to contribute to the advancement of UN’s priorities and promote a peaceful, secure environment in the world as evidenced by Armenia’s active involvement in peacekeeping missions and our commitment to preventing and condemning crimes against humanity.

The UN Office in Yerevan has become a reliable partner for our government owing to the work and those successful projects implemented so far. One of the best examples of this is the UNDP-assisted introduction of cutting-edge technologies in Armenia’s elections, which went a long way towards enhancing transparency and public trust in elections. Once again, I wish you every success in your activities. Believe that your success is ours,” President Sargsyan underscored.

Thankful for the reception, Shombi Sharp said he had enjoyed a warm welcome and felt at home during his short stay in Armenia. “Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment you over Armenia’s ambitious reform agenda, which is being successfully implemented by your government. I also appreciate the important and close cooperation that the Armenian government entertains with the UN structures.

In particular, I want to highlight your Government’s efforts in the Human Rights Council for the prevention of genocides and other crimes against humanity, as well as Armenia’s contribution to international security through peacekeeping missions. We are glad that we can add value and actively support the efforts aimed at defying the challenges facing Armenia,” the UN Resident Coordinator said at the meeting with the President of Armenia.

The sides also touched upon the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, in this context, Armenia’s development priorities, the UN-implemented programs, regional issues and challenges.