President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan spoke about country's foreign policy priorities, challenges and opportunities, during his lecture at Columbia University in the City of New York, USA.

“Armenia has always built its foreign policy on the basis of a comparison of different systems and interests of the actors involved in the region, and not on the basis of creating dividing lines between opposites. Here are a few examples. Armenia and Russia are strategic partners, and the Armenian-Russian treaty of mutual assistance, along with Armenia's membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization is one of the pillars of our security. Parallel to this, Armenia, through cooperation with NATO is actively contributing to international security and stability, both within individual action plan, and as part of international peacekeeping mission,” President said.

He noted that Armenia is attaching importance to consistent development of friendly partnership with U.S., embracing new areas of cooperation.

“We are already holding talks on simplifying visa requirements,” Sargsyan said. “We appreciate the assistance the United States provided to Armenia. 42 American states have recognized the Armenian Genocide, and in recent years, several states recognized the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, the right of its people to live freely. The United States have a large Armenian community, an active political activity of which plays a positive role, and is a driving force in the development of Armenian-American relations.”

Serzh Sargsyan spoke about education in Armenia, presenting the traditions of education dating back to the Middle Ages when Gladzor and Tatev universities became the centers for development of religion, political studies, philosophy.

President Sargsyan touched upon education reforms and the activities of Luys foundation that is sponsoring education of Armenian youth in the leading universities abroad, including Columbia University.

The Armenian leader spoke about the current geopolitical situation, challenges that threaten global security. He presented Armenia's position and increasing participation in peacekeeping operations, assistance provided to Armenia as a donor to those minorities who have been displaced as a result of atrocities by extremists, as well as work on the provision of housing for refugees, noting that Armenia hosted more than 10 thousand refugees from Syria.

President also answered the questions related to Armenia's foreign policy, including the development of the Armenian-American relations, the Armenia – EU cooperation and its prospects, opportunities for the development of Armenia after tjoining Eurasian Economic Union, as well as as socio-economic problems and priorities of economic development, regional challenges, recent developments in the Karabakh peace process.