YEREVAN. – Armenia’s historical ties and the Armenian presence in the Middle East have civilizational importance. Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Tuesday stated this while addressing a conference of ambassadors and heads of diplomatic departments.

In his words, this is expressed in values such as tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence of religions.

As per Mnatsakanyan, Armenian people have established solid foundations for friendship with the peoples of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

“The Syrian crisis has a direct impact on Armenia and  the Armenian presence the region—and can’t be disregarded,” the minister said. “Armenia’s humanitarian mission operating in Syria is carried out to address these concerns.”

The FM added that Armenia is steadily expanding its engagement in the Gulf countries, too.

“Armenia intends to develop its relations with all countries in the Middle East,” Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said, “[and] based on its proclaimed foreign policy principles.”