Today, President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in Luxemburg (Grand Duchy of Luxemburg) on a working visit participated at the Summit of the European People’s Party (EPP) dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Party. The event was chaired by the President of EPP Joseph Dole. Present at the Summit were Presidents of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junker, Heads of state and government of the EU and Eastern Partnership Countries – members of the EPP. They gave congratulatory speeches on the occasion of the EPP jubilee, touching in their statements upon the history of the Party, its achievements, European Community and Eastern Partnership agenda items, as well as issues related to the development and strengthening of the EPP.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the largest Pan-European family – European People’s Party President Serzh Sargsyan gave a speech.
Noting that for years the EPP has been one of the most important entities for the re-assessment of the European values and a driving force behind the Pan-European advancement, Serzh Sargsyan underscored that numerous political forces – members of the EPP today too play a significant role in the political processes of many European countries.
In his statement the President of Armenia paid special tribute to the blessed memory of Wilfried Martens, who made a remarkable contribution to the creation of the Party, its maturing and copious achievements, and noted his input and multifaceted assistance to Armenia’s European integration and to the EEP membership of Armenia’s Republican Party and two alternative political forces.
The President of Armenia attached great importance to the inter-party cooperation with the EPP for the dissemination of the European political culture and strengthening of the Pan-European system of values.
“The Armenian nation is an indivisible part of the European civilization through its past and culture, aspirations and goals, while membership of the Armenian parties to the EPP stems from our common Christian heritage and commitment to the basic freedoms, democracy, and human rights. With this regard, membership of the Armenian Republican Party’s Youth and Women’s organizations to the corresponding structures of the EPP is also noteworthy.
I also highly value the EPP’s position on the issues related to Armenia in different European structures as well as on the interparliamentary platforms.
The assistance of the European People’s Party to the development of our relations with the European Union has been impressive. Today, these relations have reached an important and meaningful milestone. Negotiations on the Armenia-EU new comprehensive legal document have already kicked off. It will reflect the nature of our relations and will reveal new directions of our mutually beneficial cooperation. I have no doubt that in calling to life this new document, the EPP will stand by our side,” said President Sargsyan in his congratulatory message and expressed confidence that under the able leadership of President Dole EPP family will continue to carry its mission which stems from the fundamental values of the Party.