President Armen Sarkissian hosted the delegation of the Global Leadership Foundation: For our country, the strengthening of democratic institutions and values is important

President Armen Sarkissian hosted today the delegation of the Global Leadership Foundation which has arrived to Armenia at his invitation. The delegation comprises US Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1989-92 Thomas Pickering, former President of Switzerland Michelin Calmy Rey, UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations in 2011-17 Herve Ladsous, as well as GLF Projects Director Amitav Banerji.

The President welcomed the visit of the representatives of the reputable international consultative body to Armenia and presented in detail the changes which took place in Armenia in one year. “It is important for our country to develop in every area, as well as the strengthening of democratic institutions and values. With this regard, consultative assistance of the GLF might be useful and valuable for Armenia which has chosen a democratic path of development,” President Armen Sarkissian underscored. The guests thanked the President of Armenia for the invitation and expressed readiness to assist utmost our country in its development. They underlined that during the visit they would try to learn as much as possible about the areas they can bring their contribution to and how to do it. “Currently, you are striving to build a reality wonderful and democratic country. We all are charmed with your country and that’s why we are here,” the former President of Switzerland Michelin Calmy Rey said.

The Global Leadership Foundation is a non-profit, independent structure which supports leaders all over the world, making available for them the experience of former leaders. Since its establishment in 2004, the Foundation has been providing counseling in the areas of regional security, modernization of security area, fight with terrorist organizations, liberation of prisoners, political reconciliation, implementation of agreements, elections and economic reforms, trade and resource management, development of democratic institutions, humanitarian assistance, conflict management, and others.

Members of GLF are former state leaders or high-tanking officials. Armen Sarkissian was a member of the GLF Board in 2006-13.