Reception dedicated to the 22nd Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia

20 September, 2013

On September 20, 2013 the official reception dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia was organized in the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon.

After the national anthems of the Republic of Lebanon and the Republic of Armenia the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon Ashot Kocharian delivered his welcoming speech. He briefly presented the road Armenia passed during 22 years. Speaking about the Armenian-Lebanese bilateral friendly relations, the Ambassador highly appreciated exchange of high-level mutual visits which took place during the last years and emphasized the political importance of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan to Lebanonpaid in November 2012. He expressed confidence that the recently opened direct flight Beirut-Yerevan by the Middle East Airlines will deeply contribute to trade relations, as well as to the deepening and expansion of tourism and business ties.

Ambassador highly commended multifaceted and patriotic activities of the Lebanese Armenian Community which preserved rich national culture and values and with its unique role represents a strong and reliable bridge between Armenia and Lebanon.

When concluding his speech Ambassador Kocharian expreseed gratitude to all Lebanese structures and individuals for close cooperation, wished the friendly people of Lebanon peace and prosperity.

Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Ambassadors, heads and representatives of state, relgious structures and Lebanese Armenian community were present at the reception. Member of the Parliament Hakob Bagratuni was the main guest of the evening and represented the President, the Speaker of the Parliament and the the Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon.

Statement

by H.E. Mr. Ashot Kocharian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon, on the occasion of the 22st Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia
Excellency, Honorable member of Parliament Mr. Hakop Bagratuni, representative of the President of Lebanon, President of National Assembly, Caretaker President of the Council of Ministers, Honorable Ministers and Members of Parliament , Generals, Dean of the Diplomatic corps, Excellencies, Very Rev. Fathers, Ladies and Gentlemen, սիրելի հայրենակիցներ,

It s my honor and privilege to welcome all of you at this special event dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia.
Today we have a strong Armenian state and strong army, political stability, open diversified economy, stable financial system, population aware of its duties and rights, we defend our interests and pursue our national goals.
The gravest challenges that our country has faced and has been facing in the past and in present from Genocide perpetrated against Armenian people in 1915 in Ottoman Empire to continuous illegal blockade imposed by two neighbors Turkey and Azerbaijan, cannot stop our movement ahead.
Armenia is a very reliable and predictable partner in international arena. Peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh issue based on the self-determination of the people of Artsakh remains a priority for the Armenian state. We are consistent in strengthening and deepening our relations with our strategic and traditional partners on bilateral and multilateral level.
We have special relations with Lebanon. This year marks the 21th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations with Lebanon.There is a new phase in centuries-old relations between friendly countries, whose historical and cultural proximity has resulted in shared values and hardships. Last year’s visit of the President of Armenia to Lebanon has given a new impetus for developing and expansion of brotherly relations. I have to proudly emphasize that within last 2 years exchange of visits of the Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and General Michel Sleiman, Presidents of National Assembly Nabih Berry and Hovik Abrahamian were manifestation of real partnership and friendship.
We highly appreciate our close co-operation within international organizations where we have common approaches to many universal issues.
There are more than 100 functioning small and medium size joint enterprises. We have registered a number of real success stories with participation of the Lebanese capital in the field of telecommunications, banking, real estate, hotel construction and others. The most recent and important development which definitely will strengthen and expand these brotherly relations and reveal new potential for bilateral trade is the opening of direct flights between our capitals Beirut and Yerevan by MEA which inaugural flight took place on July 5, 2013. Lebanese delegation headed by the Minister Sapunjian and MEA General Manager Mohamed al Hut had very productive meetings with the Ministers of Economy and Diaspora and President of the Chamber of Commerce. Direct flights open the doors to tourism and highlight the beauty that exists in Yerevan and Beirut. We hope that soon Armenian-Lebanese business forum and then after formation of the Government intergovernmental commission session will take place in our capitals.
Taking this opportunity I would like to highly appreciate important activities of all companies, business unions, associations, funds and banks, Vivacel, Karabagh Telecom, Byblos and Credit banks, Royal Armenia, ARI (Arstakh root investment), Artsakh fund who continue their investments, contribution and support to the development of economy in Armenia and NK.
Dear colleagues and friends,
In recent years Armenia became the host country for many international conferences, exhibitions, musical festivals and sport contests. For our nation this is the greatest source of pride, a token of appreciation for the contribution to the world culture. Our rich human capital is well-known for entrepreneurial spirit, diligence and people’s high level of education.
We’re proud of our Diaspora widespread all over the world. Armenian community in Lebanon is one of the strongest communities in the world. Our compatriots, who survived genocide, with the support of the government and people of Lebanon, have managed to preserve their rich national culture and values, brought their diligence and talent to make a significant contribution in the development and prosperity of Lebanon. Today the Armenian community with its unique role and potential represents a strong and reliable bridge connecting the two friendly countries – Armenia and Lebanon. We are proud of all of you because without exception, you are makers of our national unity, our togetherness, conquering all challenges that come our way.
Our profound gratitude to Lebanese authorities for their special brotherly attitude and respect towards our compatriots and friendly Armenia, to the Lebanese people, namely Lebanese Parliament, the only in Middle East which recognized Armenian Genocide.
I express my deep appreciation and gratitude to all of you, to all structures and individuals, friends of the Embassy for our everyday close co-operation.
Special thanks to this evening’s main sponsor Fattouch brothers. Also my gratitude to all those who give us a chance tonight to enjoy good catering, taste of Armenian brandy, mineral water Jermuk, chocolate, good wine and DVD-s with Armenian music.
Սիրելի հայրենակիցներ, Սրտանց շնորհավորում եմ բոլորիս մեր ազգային տոնի կապակցությամբ: 22րդ անգամ մենք ազգովի տոնում ենք իրականացված երազանքի փառահեղ տոնը: Իմ խորին երախտագիտությունն են հայտնում բոլորիդ՝ բոլոր կառույցներին և անհատներին, դեսպանության բարեկամներին և աջակիցներին սերտ համագործակցության համար:
Concluding my speech I would like to wish peace and prosperity to Lebanon.
Long live Lebanon!!!
Long live Armenia!!!
Long live Armenia-Lebanon friendship!!!
September 20, 2013
Beirut

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