MINISTER NALBANDIAN SUMS UP THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR
armradio.am
22.01.2010 12:47
"Today Armenia appears to the world as a predictable and reliable
partner, whose approaches are comprehended and appreciated," Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian said, addressing an annual press conference
in Yerevan. According to Minister Nalbandian, important international
role-players and centers respect our country, which has proven its
reliability on both regional and international levels.
In 2009 the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked to reinforce
foreign security, create favorable conditions for the development of
the republic, present Armenia’s positions on the international arena,
raise the effectiveness of the defense of rights of the Republic
and its citizens abroad, deepen the involvement in international
organizations and processes.
"The just settlement of the Artsakh issue on the basis of principles
of international law remained in the spotlight of our foreign policy.
The Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan held intensive talks during
the 9 meetings over the year. For the first time the right of peoples
to self-determination was mentioned in the statement of the OSCE
Ministerial as an indispensable principle of settlement, a number of
international documents stressed the importance of the principle of
non-use of force or threat of force," the Foreign Minister said.
According to the Foreign Minister, steps were taken in 2009 to
deepen and reinforce the cooperation with partner countries. Armenia
followed its policy of European integration both in bilateral format
and within the framework of European structures. Our country jointed
the EU Eastern Partnership Program.
"Guided by the initiative of the President of the Republic of Armenia
to establish relations with Turkey without preconditions, intensive
talks were held with the Turkish side. Protocols on normalization of
the Armenian-Turkish relations were signed in Zurich on October10,"
the Minister said.
According to Minister Nalbandian, Armenia counted playing an active
role in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Community.
Our country was consistent in implementing the Individual Partnership
Action Plan with NATO and expanded its participation in international
peacekeeping activity.
A number of reciprocal visits, political consultations, meetings and
other events took place last year, about 100 international agreements
were concluded. The Armenian President paid 22 foreign visits,
Presidents of eight countries visited Armenia.