SERZH SARGSYAN: NOTHING WILL AFFECT THE ARMENIAN-SYRIAN FRIENDSHIP

armradio.am
23.03.2010 16:53

On the second day of the official visit to Syria President Serzh
Sargsyan delivered a lecture on the Armenian-Syrian relations at the
University of Damascus. President Sargsyan said, in part:

"We have always lived in a region, which is a most vivid example
of "the crossroad of civilizations." For the countries of the West
Armenians have been the best interpreters of Islamic, Arab and Iranian
cultures, for the countries of the East Armenians have been unique
Ambassadors to the Caucasus, and have been conceived by many as
carriers of Western culture. Even when Armenians had no statehood at
different periods of history, this linking role never stopped being
part of Armenian identity.

In this context Syria has had its unique and extremely important role
for Armenians. Syria has been the bridge linking us to the Arab and
Islamic worlds. The parallels of fate of Armenians and Syrians have
brought the two peoples closer.

Today, on the eve of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I’d
like to avail myself of the opportunity to express sincere gratitude
to our Arab brothers, who hosted Armenian refugees, fleeing from the
persecutions of the Ottoman authorities.

Today I have arrived in Damascus at the invitation of respected
President, Dr. Bashar Al-Assad. Full mutual understanding and brilliant
friendly relations have been established between us.

Armenia and Syria have signed tens of agreements, memorandums of
understanding, and cooperation programs over the past 18 years.

Another ten documents were signed within the framework of my visit.

Armenia makes great efforts to expand the framework of cooperation
with the Arab world. This is the reason why we are represented in
the League of Arab States.

Simultaneously, Armenian continues implementing a policy targeted
at the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus
region, which will contribute to the creation of equal conditions of
development for all the peoples of the region.

I promise that I will spare no efforts for the bridge between Armenia
and Syria to remain strong. No shift of power in the region of the
world can affect the gradually strengthening Armenian-Syrian friendship
and the expanding cooperation between our countries."