YEREVAN. – The 5th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations kicked off Wednesday in Vienna, and Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian addressed the event.

Nalbandian noted that tolerance, and respect toward the national, cultural and religious heritage of others are preconditions for a harmonious and a peaceful co-existence, MFA press service informs. The FM also stressed that Armenia joins the UN Alliance of Civilizations with a good will and a determination. 

Separately, Edward Nalbandian met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who asked Nalbandian to convey his congratulations and best wishes to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection, and he wished Sargsyan success in his second term in office.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the UN agenda issues, and Nalbandian reconfirmed that Armenia will continue its active engagement within the UN.

Upon Ban Ki-moon’s request, Armenia’s FM presented details on the efforts by Armenia and the international community toward pacifically settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this context, the UN Secretary-General expressed his support to the respective activities by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.    

Within the framework of the discussing the ongoing developments in Syria, Nalbandian and Ban Ki-moon also reflected on the challenges facing the Syrian Armenians.  

In Vienna, Armenia’s FM also met with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. The latter asked Nalbandian to convey his congratulations to Armenia’s president on his reelection, and noted with delight that the OSCE observation mission gave a positive assessment to the presidential election that was conducted in Armenia on February 18.   

The interlocutors exchanged opinions with respect to the OSCE agenda issues, Armenia’s engagement in the relevant activities, and the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. 

Edward Nalbandian also met with Iranian FM Ali Akbar Salehi, during which they discussed bilateral matters as well as regional and international matters.