ArmInfo. Today, the Armenian people live at a turning point for the region: the long-term, decisive and patient policy of the RA government has finally led to an important milestone that opens doors to security, stability and future opportunities for Armenia, as stated by RA President Vahagn Khachaturyan during a meeting with RA ambassadors accredited in foreign countries.
As quoted by the presidential press service, president Khachaturyan stated that in the history of the new independent Armenia, August 8 can be considered a great diplomatic achievement that changes the entire picture of the region. It marks a shift from war and military logic to peace, economic development and prosperity.
"We must note that this achievement is the result of difficult elections, painstaking diplomacy and the collective will of our citizens. A stable world will open up enormous economic potential for Armenia, trade initiatives, new opportunities in energy and infrastructure sectors, which can turn our region into a center of cooperation. In an era of changing geopolitical landscapes and rapid technological progress, our priorities should be aimed at solving modern problems," the RA President noted. He added that the situation in the region, as well as in the rest of the world, is changing very rapidly, and in the context of diversification of foreign policy, it is necessary to reconsider the priorities of RA ambassadors abroad.
"These should, first of all, include the presentation of regional attractiveness, economic, logistical and transit opportunities. In this regard, I attach great importance to your comprehensive presentation of the Crossroads of Peace initiative's benefits during meetings with foreign officials, aimed at enhancing regional economic and transport connectivity by creating strong links between the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean, the Black and Caspian Seas, as well as with Central Asia. It is necessary to engage our representatives in international organizations in a more positive agenda, moving from the previous conflict or military agenda to an economic development agenda. Diplomatic channels should be used to promote joint economic projects, investment flows, business ties and trade initiatives that benefit the region and developing economic incentives for peace. I attach particular importance to proactive diplomacy and soft power initiatives. Preparations are currently underway to sign a memorandum of understanding between the RA Presidential Administration and the General Directorate of the Presidential Administration of the Lebanese Republics.
Armenia will be the first country with which Lebanon will sign such a memorandum. I propose to initiate the signing of similar memorandums with other countries. Our priority should be sustainable innovations that will promote the development of green energy, smart technologies and environmentally friendly practices. Next year will be particularly significant, as we will, among other things, host the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17) and the 8th Summit of the European Political Community. Hosting such large-scale, high-level conferences will provide Armenia with international visibility and significant economic benefits. It is necessary to support the creation of balanced and constructive media campaigns that will emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence for peoples and highlight success stories of cooperation. Your role as ambassadors in informing about these events and obtaining international support is especially important here. Particular attention should be paid to relations with landlocked countries that share common interests with us. Countries like ours understand the challenges of economic development in such conditions, but we also recognize the importance of expanding interconnectedness, international trade, participation in regional transit routes and connections.
Given the role of the countries in the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and Central Asia in strengthening peace, security in the region and promoting sustainable development, I place great importance on further developing an active political dialogue with them, deepening trade and economic relations and promoting cooperation in multilateral venues. This region is important in the context of economic diplomacy. Africa is a relatively new and promising areas of our foreign policy. In recent years, we have been striving to intensify relations with African countries, and have already taken certain steps in this direction. The intensification of relations with the countries of the Latin American region in recent years demonstrates Armenia's desire to diversify the geography of relations with other countries and expand the scope of cooperation. Geographical remoteness today should no longer be an obstacle to strengthening these relations" Presiden Khachaturyan concluded.
