Welcoming remarks by the President of Armenia, Chairman of the Armenian Chess Federation Serzh Sargsyan at the FIDE Presidential Council

Distinguished Mr. Ilyumzhinov,
Distinguished members of the Presidential Council of FIDE,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly happy to welcome you in one of Armenia’s best tourist centers – Tsakhkadzor. On behalf of our people, I am very pleased to say welcome to Armenia to you all.

I carry out this pleasant duty with a double responsibility – as the President of Armenia and as the Chairman of Armenia’s Chess Federation.

For years, Armenia has been presenting itself to the world with a great admiration and dedication to the chess. The team, which brought us victories at the Chess World Olympiads and World Tournaments, comprises genuine stars. In Armenia, our football players too are trying to measure up to our chess players. Our chess players present a good example to our children, who are learn the basics of this game in the secondary schools.

Chess is a game, but it is also an art and science. Chess goes hand in hand with the drive to win and will power on the one hand, and painstaking attention towards the details on the other. It teaches a person the culture of thinking and long-term computation. It compels to deeply respect the partner. Finally, chess presents a common culture and language for the millions of people, irrespective of their nationality, language, religion, or race. That is the reason we pay great attention to the chess playing, and as already been noted, it became a mandatory course in our schools.

Chess is one of the best vehicles to conduct dialogue between cultures and civilizations. It is our duty to cherish and spread chess traditions in the world. It will be a great input for making the world a better place.

Dear Friends,

I take this opportunity to express thanks to FIDE for our efficient cooperation, personally to Mr. Ilyumzhinov and all members of the Presidential Council.

We are deeply content with our cooperation with FIDE. We sincerely wish to continue and deepen that cooperation. Thank you all for accepting the invitation and coming to Armenia, thank you. We are ready to create the best working conditions for you all.