YEREVAN. - Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan visited the American University of Armenia (AUA) on Friday.

Accompanied by the University leadership, the Premier toured the educational institution, getting familiarized with its current activity, learning conditions and programs. Karapetyan also visited the Registar’s Office, Alex and Marie Mannogian Hall and university labs, as well as the library, which serves not only the faculty and students but is also open for public.Talking with the workers, Karapetyan stressed that through guaranteeing quality education and equal conditions thereto, the country will definitely record progress.

“But mere progress is not our goal. By progress we mean that each citizen of Armenia must notice rise of quality in their daily life,” Karapetyan said.

Afterwards the head of the Government had a meeting with the university students, during which he answered the questions of interest to them. The Premier noted that he is impressed by AUA and its teaching, adding that he has discussed with the university leadership the developments in the educational system, the future activity of AUA, as well as issues related to the possibility of creating the atmosphere existing here in other Armenian universities as well.

“On one occasion I was asked how I see tomorrow’s Armenia. I had no ready answer and didn’t expect such a question.  I formed my answer as follows: independent, secure and intellectual Armenia. This response indeed reflects my world outlook. I am more than confident that the component of intelligence is necessary for our country. If we aren’t able to have educated and literate citizens, we won’t have a good country. From this perspective, our government will pay maximal attention to the educational system. We pin great hope on you and wish you success,” Karapetyan said.

Referring to the question on creating more attractive conditions for investments in Armenia, he noted that there must be clear, transparent, reliable and foreseeable conditions in the tax, customs and judicial systems and legislative field.

“Do we have an ideal atmosphere for this now? Definitely no. [But] We have a program on how to do this step by step. Moreover, we have established a Center for Strategic Initiatives, the majority of whose Board of Trustees members are the representatives of the private sector—from Russia, US, Diaspora. In its framework, we will form our strategy, vision and reforms. One of the key directions of the Center will be to change the business environment. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here; it is merely necessary to ensure the conditions in which business will flourish. The rankings of the happiest countries include such countries, where people feel well and not those which have oil, gas or other natural resources. We will do our best to attract investments to our country,” the Premier stressed, adding that the investment programs expected in different areas will be presented next week.

“I think the responses will be very interesting. The division will be made per spheres, also including culture. The Culture Minister has for the first time announced that culture should be capitalized as well. From this perspective, we know how to go forward,” Karapetyan stressed.

Touching on the question of making the Armenian educational system attractive for foreign students, the Premier noted that the educational system of our country must be modern and timely. “The first pledge of receiving education in our country is the good educational system, which is first and foremost important exactly for our development.  If we are able to change the legislative and infrastructure sphere so that a foreigner feels secure in Armenia, this will happen. It is necessary to work diligently to achieve this. Do I believe in this idea? Certainly. Moreover, I am sure this is exactly the way for it to happen.”