The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended the opening of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora conference, which was held at the National Opera and Ballet Theater after Al. Spendiaryan. Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister stated as follows:

“I am very happy to welcome you to this warm, lively Armenian environment, as well as to meet the leaders of Diaspora organizations and community delegates. I am also glad for the opportunity to review and reassess the past and the present day of the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, outline the priorities and exchange views on issues of topical concern.

Trinity is the key to success. Our nation’s modern history testifies that only through joint effort we can cope with the internal and external challenges faced by Armenians.

Garegin Nzhdeh was right to state: “Without patriotism our people is like a body without a soul.” Therefore, we will get even stronger with unity, cohesion, and our determination to address the national problems. Armenia is strong and invincible in its two wings and with a united Diaspora. We feel more powerful with the Diaspora’s support.

I am confident that you have the same perception of the Republic of Armenia - your independent and sovereign homeland. We cannot have sectional interests, our interests are interconnected and our actions should be well coordinated and complementary.

Prioritizing the Homeland-Diaspora cooperation, the government of Armenia established the Ministry of Diaspora on October 1, 2008, which ushered in a new stage in Homeland-Diaspora relations. It is encouraging that the Ministry managed to set up partnerships with all the Diaspora organizations. This conference and numerous other forums and events, as well as the growing number of participants are the proof of great trust vested in the activities of the Ministry of Diaspora.

Dear Compatriots,

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unsettled; Azerbaijan has not given up its aggressive paramilitary policy, winding up the petrodollars-based arms race. Turkey, in turn, is abiding by a strongly biased posture and continues to blockade Armenia.

On the other hand, Georgia’s relationship with Russia is far from being conducive to regional stability, preventing us from making a full use of transit and economic cooperation opportunities.

All these factors make us to be more flexible and prudent in foreign policy matters. Led by President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia’s authorities are taking actions exclusively proceeding from our national interests, aimed at ensuring sustainable development and security for the Republic of Armenia.

Dear Attendees,

The Government has proclaimed the provision of guarantees for freedom, security and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia as a priority in its activities. Our endeavors mainly seek to ensure for any Armenian to engage in creative work in Homeland. Motherland should become a safe haven for all Armenians to freely and fully exercise their skills, the experience and knowledge built up in different parts of the world. The Republic of Armenia should become a country fit for dignified life many opportunities.

The Government of Armenia is taking specific steps to implement socio-economic improvements in the country: we are pursuing a policy which aims to ensure equal conditions for everybody. Foreign companies should feel safe and comfortable in Armenia. We are providing the necessary guarantees.

Your recommendations aimed at Armenia’s progress, economic development will not be overlooked. The government has embraced an open policy with regard to investment and is ready to support every reasonable initiative. The time is high to shift from charity toward mutually beneficial partnership.

In this context, I wish to express my gratitude to all those prominent businessmen and philanthropists who have contributed to economic growth and statehood building efforts in Armenia and Artsakh with due diligence and dedication. Their image should serve as a source of inspiration for Armenians around the world and, especially, for young people.

Dear compatriots,

We are marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide next year. Invaluable is the role of the Armenian Diaspora in our drive for international recognition and condemnation of the Genocide of Armenians.

It is regrettable that in its capacity of a successor to the Ottoman Empire, today’s Turkey is not only unable to come to terms with its dark past, but instead keeps denying the fact of genocide, which is a double genocide according to the international perception. At the same time, the international community is increasingly acknowledging the idea that the recognition - first of all on the part of Turkey - is inevitable and may contribute to regional stability and the establishment of an atmosphere conducive to mutual confidence. I am convinced that with joint efforts, we will achieve the restoration of historical justice.

Dear Friends,

What makes all of us in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora keep tied together is our shared history, our historical memory, but most and foremost, we are tied by a sovereign and independent Armenia.

The Diaspora has become a source of material and spiritual support for the newly independent Armenia. Armenians all over the world, regardless of their place of residence, belief or social status, have Armenia in their heart. Therefore, we are pursuing a single and common goal, namely to ensure security and sustainable and steady development in both Armenia and Artsakh.

In turn, the Republic of Armenia is taking steps to promote preservation of national identity, rights, and interests for our Diaspora compatriots.

In conclusion, I express confidence that through joint effort we will be able to overcome the challenges facing our nation.

Reiterating my greetings, I wish you fruitful work for the sake of our country and for the benefit of all Armenians.

Thank you for attention.”