Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan today participated in the session of the Council of Heads of Governments of CIS countries which will discussed 15 items on the agenda, including the joint declaration on the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan particularly stated the following:

“This session is taking place remotely, but Armenia sincerely hopes the coronavirus situation changes drastically and we have the chance to meet face-to-face.

At a time when all countries are facing challenges due to the pandemic, it is clear that we all need to combine our efforts. In this regard, Armenia acknowledges the Russian government’s initiative to adopt a declaration of the heads of governments of CIS countries on the spread of the novel coronavirus. Armenia is certain that the adoption of urgent joint social and economic measures will allow us to move forward in the fight against the pandemic and overcome the consequences of the latter.

Based on this, Armenia plans to continue to strengthen cooperation within the scope of the CIS countries. As of today, Armenia has 8,676 coronavirus cases, 5,212 patients are under treatment, 3,297 have recovered, and unfortunately, 120 patients have died.

The lockdown that the government declared during the state of emergency ensured conditions for functioning of the healthcare system. Armenia also imported more tests, equipment and face masks and organized training courses for specialists. Later, the government felt the need to lift restrictions and allowed the operation of all types of economic activities under the condition that companies strictly follow the rules, but violation of those rules entails fines.

At the same time, the government has already implemented nearly 20 social support programs and has provided assistance to businesses.

I am certain that a systemic approach will underlie the development of an action plan for implementation of the first phase (2021-25) of the Economic Development Strategy of the Commonwealth of Independent States until the year 2030 that has been submitted to the Armenian government for approval.

Attaching importance to multilateral cooperation within the scope of the fight against global terrorism, Armenia supports Kyrgyzstan’s proposal to appoint a deputy director of the anti-terrorism center of CIS countries.

Armenia intends to deepen cooperation in the sectors of education and culture. In our opinion, the CIS has great potential to establish an educational system that will comply with modern requirements. I would also like to reaffirm Armenia’s commitment to maintaining cultural diversity and enhancing cultural dialogue for the purpose of strengthening the trust and mutual understanding between our peoples.

Overall, I would like to emphasize that the CIS countries have all the necessary prerequisites and opportunities for implementation of our ideas and projects within the scope of cooperation. Armenia believes the potential must be fully used, intensifying cooperation of young people in the CIS and expanding partnering ties between national organizations for physical culture and sport.

Summing up, I would like to inform that Armenia supports the adoption of all agreed documents.”