Offical visit of the President of Armenia to Serbia continues: In different ways, we have many similarities

The welcoming ceremony for the President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who has arrived to Belgrade on official visit, was followed by the face to face meeting of the two Presidents and a meeting in the extended format with the participation of the delegations.

“We are honored to receive you here,” the President of Serbia noted addressing the President of Armenia and speaking of his impressions of the face to face meeting. “Please feel home here. You as an exceptional political figure but also as a businessman, completed a lot in the past. I am truly impressed with your knowledge of different issues.”Referring to the very popular in Serbia “Stand up, Serbia” song authored by the editor-in-chief of many years of the musical programs at the Serbian Radio and TV Vardges Baroyan, who is of Armenian descend, Aleksandar Vučić said, “We love Armenia and the Armenian people. You’ll see it anywhere and talking to anyone. We are very proud of the good relations we have with Armenia. I believe, the time has come to take some practical steps.” He noted in particular that political relations between our countries have always been good, “However, we need to take steps to make them even better. One of the first steps can be the opening of a new embassy in Yerevan,” the President of Serbia said. “At the same time, speaking of concrete steps, we need discuss what we can do together in the areas of digitalization, IT, and artificial intelligence. We have young talented professionals and need to use their knowledge.”

Expressing thanks for the invitation to visit Serbia and the warm welcome, the President Sarkissian officially invited President Aleksandar Vučić to conduct a visit to Armenia and noted that he would be glad to host him in our country. “When you come to Armenia, rest assured that you will feel home there, just as I do here,” President Sarkissian said.

“It’s a home for friends because I take friendship seriously like anyone else in Armenia. I want Armenia to be closer to Serbia. We probably lost some years but can catch up very quickly. I agree that there is a number of areas which are particularly important from the viewpoint of our cooperation – new technologies, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling, etc. We want to put Armenia in synch with the future, bring new technologies to Armenia.” The President of Armenia said that all that requires great efforts, including the development of the educational system.

“It is necessary to be economically attractive, to have traditions in the area of science and technologies. Besides, it is necessary to ensure the presence of major companies. I believe, that’s the future,” President Sarkissian said. “In Armenia great efforts are exercised to create ideas, to teach new technologies. I would be proud to present them to you and your colleagues.” The President of Armenia noted that the startup culture is being cultivated in our country. He presented the Seaside startup organized in Armenia every year, which for one week brings under one roof hundreds of people.

“I have inititated also ATOM – the Advanced Tomorrow program and will be happy to see in the framework of this programs Serbian companies or institutions in Armenia. It would also be good if Armenian companies visit Serbia,” President Sarkissian said. “In different ways, we have many things in common – our greatest resource is our human capital. I will do my best to maintain our relations at this level.”

President Sarkissian welcomed also the establishment of a visa free regime for the citizens of Armenia and the decision of the Serbian side to open an embassy in the Republic of Armenia. He noted that these are important steps toward the strengthening of the relations between the two countries.