YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday visited the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the Diplomats’ Day.

The President met with the representatives of the central MFA staff and Armenia’s diplomatic missions, as well as participants of the assembly of heads of consular offices.  

Sargsyan once again thanked the meeting participants on the occasion of their professional holiday, following which he delivered a speech, in which he touched in detail on the path covered by Armenia since its independence, the achievements in foreign policy, as well as the priorities and challenges of the foreign policy.

He also gave instructions to the ambassadors on work aimed at properly presenting Armenia in foreign countries and international organizations. Furthermore, he referred to the current tasks set before the diplomats.   

“Some people think that diplomats have many privileges. [However], despite being privileged, the diplomatic service is perhaps twice responsible a service, the privileges being granted not for enjoying but for efficiently serving them to the interests of one’s own country. Your mission is to present Armenia in a proper way, as a peaceful and democratic country, which is open to dialogue and which builds modern vital political and economic system,” Sargsyan said.

He also touched on the nuances of diplomatic work, noting that it is often carried out behind close doors, but even the most secret negotiations have public expressions, results and consequences. “Observing the confidentiality stemming from the nature of this work, Armenia’s diplomacy must at the same time be conceivable for our society.  It is necessary to present the logic of the initiated actions without fearing their possible criticism. Your word and your message should be confident, clear, thereby inspiring confidence to the public,” Sargsyan said.

Moreover, in his speech, the Armenian President referred to the tasks set before the Armenian diplomatic service abroad and in different international platforms, including those related to the Karabakh conflict settlement, Azerbaijan’s deconstructive policy and steps towards countering the creation of tension in the region.  

“Yerevan and Stepanakert do not wish war, while Baku has long been constantly speaking about it, increasing the tension on contact line and heroizing the soldiers, whose so-called “feats”are considered as war crimes.  If Azerbaijan continues in the same vein bringing the situation to war, we won’t even dawdle on using all the capacities in our weaponry for ensuring the security of the Artsakh people. Currently, the main factor suppressing the large-scale war in the region is the Armenian soldier, who stands firmly, realizing very well what is he fighting for and what task he is solving.”

Stressing that during the past quarter century Armenia managed to form quite rich foreign policy and positive agenda, the President noted that Armenia uses its experience and efforts for voicing issues of universal significance, contributing to their solution by the international community.

“As a nation, which has survived a Genocide, we must always be on the lead of the international struggle for preventing the crimes against humanity. Thanks to your consistent steps, in 2015 the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted the  Resolution on Prevention of Genocide introduced by Armenia, while the General Assembly—during its 69th session–declared December 9 as Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide. Enormous efforts in this direction were exerted especially within the framework of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.”

Considering the decision on holding the La Francophonie Summit 2018 in Armenia as one of the great achievements of Armenia’s foreign policy, Sargsyan qualified this as a result of active diplomacy, as well as manifestation of confidence and solidarity of over eight dozens of countries towards Armenia.

“This summit will be one of the most representational events hosted by Armenia since its independence. It will also contribute to raising the reputation of our country and making its culture more recognizable. [Besides,] This will give a wonderful opportunity to establish more close partnership ties with various states, where we have no representation,” the President said.

Noting that last year steps were taken to put one of the key directions of Armenia’s foreign policy on institutional grounds, Sargsyan considered it the task of diplomats to further activate the efforts towards correct presentation of Armenia’s investment attractiveness and relative advantages abroad, provision of information on possible relevant business projects within relevant business frameworks, as well as revelation of new markets for the goods produced and services provided in Armenia.

Apart from this, the President underscored the importance of proper presentation of Armenia’s tourism capacities, expecting active work in this direction.  “We have recently liberalized or significantly facilitated the visa regime with certain countries. This must have positively impacted the development of the sphere. We expect precise and measurable work from ambassadors,” he said.