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Press releases
31
03, 2011
The President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey arrived on a two-day official visit to Armenia
At the invitation of President Serzh Sargsyan, the President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey arrived last night on a two-day official visit to Armenia.
Today, at the Presidential Palace there took place the official welcoming ceremony which was followed by the tête-à-tête meeting of Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Micheline Calmy-Rey and the meeting of the delegations in the extended format.
Noting, that he has had numerous occasions to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest with the President of Switzerland, President Serzh Sargsyan underlined that yet this is the first visit of the Swiss President to Armenia which provides an excellent opportunity to thoroughly discuss all issues pertinent to the development of the Armenian-Swiss relations.
“We hail the decision of the Swiss authorities to open embassy in Armenia. We believe it manifests the intent of Switzerland to deepen our bilateral relations, and we are pleased by the fact. Switzerland achieved impressive results in every area and it’s a great honor for us to be friends with the one of the world’s leading states and to deepen our bilateral relations. We are thankful to the people and government of Switzerland for the assistance provided to Armenia and grateful for discussing the issue of the Armenian Genocide at the Swiss Parliament and for the adoption of the resolution,” President Serzh Sargsyan said at the meeting with the President of Switzerland.
The President of the Swiss Confederation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted that her visit would be marked by a very important and emblematic event ¬– opening of the Swiss Embassy in Yerevan which is a striking illustration of the deepening Armenian-Swiss relations. On behalf of her government, Mrs. Calmy-Rey thanked President Serzh Sargsyan for his assistance in establishing embassy and underscored that there is indeed strong resolve on both sides to strengthen relations and to develop cooperation between Armenia and Switzerland.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Presidents of Armenia and Switzerland gave a joint press conference.
***
President Serzh Sargsyan’s remark at the joint press conference with the President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey
Madam President,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am happy to welcome the President of Switzerland, Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey to Armenia. Although this is the first official visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia, Mrs. Calmy-Rey has been here before. Our public is well aware of her efforts and input to the resolution of the problems which persist in our region. Switzerland, which has a rich experience of neutral and unbiased active international policy, has always displayed interest towards our country and our region. The history of our ties dates back centuries. In 1897, the Swiss government was among the first to condemn the Armenian massacres in the Ottoman Empire carried out in 1894-96 as crimes against humanity. When the Armenian Genocide took place, the Swiss lend a hand to our people through the individual missionary and medical activities as well as on a state level. And carrying on with that wise tradition of missionary work, in 2003 the National Council of Switzerland adopted resolution on the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.
Madam President, the Armenian nation is grateful to Switzerland for its principled and consistent policy and, certainly, for the condemnation of that horrendous crime. Since Armenia’s independence, our interaction has acquired a new quality. The Armenian side welcomed the decision to upgrade the diplomatic representation of Switzerland in Yerevan to a full-fledged embassy which creates extraordinary opportunities to expand our bilateral cooperation and reflects the true state of our relations. During our meeting, we reiterated the necessity to expand our economic cooperation. We are interested in the implementation of the Armenian-Swiss economic programs and, considering the existing positive experience, in the encouragement of Swiss investments in Armenia. Among successful instances of cooperation, I would like to note participation of Swiss companies in the development programs for Tsakhkadzor, Jermuk, and Tatev which are aimed at the utmost exposure of the tourist potential of these residential settlements. Armenia is thankful to the Swiss Cooperation and Development Agency for the implemented programs and, of course, for the social and economic programs carried out in the Republic of Armenia.
We have also spoken about cultural cooperation and active contacts between Armenia and Switzerland. We are confident that cultural contacts promote understanding between our peoples and strengthen our friendship. At the 25th International Book Fair, which will take place in Switzerland in April-May, Armenia will participate as an honorary guest. I have also cordially invited the Swiss side, and particularly Madam President, to take part at the celebrations in Yerevan which has been declared the 2012 World Book Capital; these celebrations will mark the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book printing.
We have also stressed the importance of the Armenian-Swiss cooperation in international organizations – UN structures, OSCE, Council of Europe and in the framework of francophony.
We have also touched upon the process of normalization with Turkey; the Swiss are well-aware of the dynamics of the process. I addressed special thanks to Madam President for the Swiss government’s and personally her invaluable mediation efforts and contribution. I noted with regret that Turkey evades the fulfillment of the assumed obligations and such stance devalues our initiative and also the efforts of the involved parties.
We have also discussed the latest developments in the NK peace process, including the trilateral meeting in Sochi. I want to believe that this time the Azeri authorities will be consistent and their word and their deeds will not differ. I naturally reiterated our position that the conflict has only one solution – solution based on the peaceful realization by the people of Nagorno Karabakh of their internationally recognized right for self-determination. The conflict must have a peaceful resolution, which is to be achieved through peace negotiations, no matter how knotty and hard it may be.
I once again thank Madam President for productive talks and now it’s my pleasure to give her the floor.
***
President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey’s remarks at the joint press conference with President Serzh Sargsyan
Thank you, Mr. President,
Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for this invitation. This is the first visit by the President of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia and we manifest mutual strong resolve to actively develop cooperation between Switzerland and Armenia. I should note that my visit is signified by an important event – today the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia will be inaugurated. It should also be noted that Switzerland and Armenia have developed a broad legal field which allows to actively develop our relations. As I have already mentioned, we possess an entire legal arsenal, particularly agreements for economic cooperation, mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation and recently signed agreement on air transportation. Our economic relations are good, even though our turn over, definitely remains very modest and needs to be increased. There is also unused potential and the Swiss authorities are undoubtedly for the development of economic relations. I believe that invigoration of our contacts, reciprocal visits and meetings have also contributed to the strengthening of our ties. And these ties have of course further strengthened in the framework of the cooperation which we carry out for the improvement of the relations between your country and Turkey. Certainly, we have a long way to go; nevertheless I think that political courage and responsibility that were displayed in 2009 with signing of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols allow to believe that the desired results will be achieved. Switzerland is Armenia’s reliable partner and we established our presence in Armenia many years ago through the Swiss Agency of Cooperation and Development. We also cooperate with your Ministry of Territorial Administration and with their assistance we implement, for instance, programs of milk processing and horticulture in Synik marz. We have also established close cooperation with the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations, particularly, in the area of natural disaster prevention. With this regard, tomorrow I am leaving for Gyumri where I will attend and observe what the Swiss have done in that area. Switzerland started cooperation with Armenia in the area of natural disaster, particularly, earthquake prevention in 1988, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Armenia.
In conclusion, I would like to once again express hope that our cooperation in the economic and other areas will deepen, and with this regard, Mr. President, I am happy that you will be visiting Switzerland this May.
Today, at the Presidential Palace there took place the official welcoming ceremony which was followed by the tête-à-tête meeting of Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Micheline Calmy-Rey and the meeting of the delegations in the extended format.
Noting, that he has had numerous occasions to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest with the President of Switzerland, President Serzh Sargsyan underlined that yet this is the first visit of the Swiss President to Armenia which provides an excellent opportunity to thoroughly discuss all issues pertinent to the development of the Armenian-Swiss relations.
“We hail the decision of the Swiss authorities to open embassy in Armenia. We believe it manifests the intent of Switzerland to deepen our bilateral relations, and we are pleased by the fact. Switzerland achieved impressive results in every area and it’s a great honor for us to be friends with the one of the world’s leading states and to deepen our bilateral relations. We are thankful to the people and government of Switzerland for the assistance provided to Armenia and grateful for discussing the issue of the Armenian Genocide at the Swiss Parliament and for the adoption of the resolution,” President Serzh Sargsyan said at the meeting with the President of Switzerland.
The President of the Swiss Confederation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted that her visit would be marked by a very important and emblematic event ¬– opening of the Swiss Embassy in Yerevan which is a striking illustration of the deepening Armenian-Swiss relations. On behalf of her government, Mrs. Calmy-Rey thanked President Serzh Sargsyan for his assistance in establishing embassy and underscored that there is indeed strong resolve on both sides to strengthen relations and to develop cooperation between Armenia and Switzerland.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Presidents of Armenia and Switzerland gave a joint press conference.
***
President Serzh Sargsyan’s remark at the joint press conference with the President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey
Madam President,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am happy to welcome the President of Switzerland, Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey to Armenia. Although this is the first official visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia, Mrs. Calmy-Rey has been here before. Our public is well aware of her efforts and input to the resolution of the problems which persist in our region. Switzerland, which has a rich experience of neutral and unbiased active international policy, has always displayed interest towards our country and our region. The history of our ties dates back centuries. In 1897, the Swiss government was among the first to condemn the Armenian massacres in the Ottoman Empire carried out in 1894-96 as crimes against humanity. When the Armenian Genocide took place, the Swiss lend a hand to our people through the individual missionary and medical activities as well as on a state level. And carrying on with that wise tradition of missionary work, in 2003 the National Council of Switzerland adopted resolution on the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.
Madam President, the Armenian nation is grateful to Switzerland for its principled and consistent policy and, certainly, for the condemnation of that horrendous crime. Since Armenia’s independence, our interaction has acquired a new quality. The Armenian side welcomed the decision to upgrade the diplomatic representation of Switzerland in Yerevan to a full-fledged embassy which creates extraordinary opportunities to expand our bilateral cooperation and reflects the true state of our relations. During our meeting, we reiterated the necessity to expand our economic cooperation. We are interested in the implementation of the Armenian-Swiss economic programs and, considering the existing positive experience, in the encouragement of Swiss investments in Armenia. Among successful instances of cooperation, I would like to note participation of Swiss companies in the development programs for Tsakhkadzor, Jermuk, and Tatev which are aimed at the utmost exposure of the tourist potential of these residential settlements. Armenia is thankful to the Swiss Cooperation and Development Agency for the implemented programs and, of course, for the social and economic programs carried out in the Republic of Armenia.
We have also spoken about cultural cooperation and active contacts between Armenia and Switzerland. We are confident that cultural contacts promote understanding between our peoples and strengthen our friendship. At the 25th International Book Fair, which will take place in Switzerland in April-May, Armenia will participate as an honorary guest. I have also cordially invited the Swiss side, and particularly Madam President, to take part at the celebrations in Yerevan which has been declared the 2012 World Book Capital; these celebrations will mark the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book printing.
We have also stressed the importance of the Armenian-Swiss cooperation in international organizations – UN structures, OSCE, Council of Europe and in the framework of francophony.
We have also touched upon the process of normalization with Turkey; the Swiss are well-aware of the dynamics of the process. I addressed special thanks to Madam President for the Swiss government’s and personally her invaluable mediation efforts and contribution. I noted with regret that Turkey evades the fulfillment of the assumed obligations and such stance devalues our initiative and also the efforts of the involved parties.
We have also discussed the latest developments in the NK peace process, including the trilateral meeting in Sochi. I want to believe that this time the Azeri authorities will be consistent and their word and their deeds will not differ. I naturally reiterated our position that the conflict has only one solution – solution based on the peaceful realization by the people of Nagorno Karabakh of their internationally recognized right for self-determination. The conflict must have a peaceful resolution, which is to be achieved through peace negotiations, no matter how knotty and hard it may be.
I once again thank Madam President for productive talks and now it’s my pleasure to give her the floor.
***
President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey’s remarks at the joint press conference with President Serzh Sargsyan
Thank you, Mr. President,
Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for this invitation. This is the first visit by the President of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia and we manifest mutual strong resolve to actively develop cooperation between Switzerland and Armenia. I should note that my visit is signified by an important event – today the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia will be inaugurated. It should also be noted that Switzerland and Armenia have developed a broad legal field which allows to actively develop our relations. As I have already mentioned, we possess an entire legal arsenal, particularly agreements for economic cooperation, mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation and recently signed agreement on air transportation. Our economic relations are good, even though our turn over, definitely remains very modest and needs to be increased. There is also unused potential and the Swiss authorities are undoubtedly for the development of economic relations. I believe that invigoration of our contacts, reciprocal visits and meetings have also contributed to the strengthening of our ties. And these ties have of course further strengthened in the framework of the cooperation which we carry out for the improvement of the relations between your country and Turkey. Certainly, we have a long way to go; nevertheless I think that political courage and responsibility that were displayed in 2009 with signing of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols allow to believe that the desired results will be achieved. Switzerland is Armenia’s reliable partner and we established our presence in Armenia many years ago through the Swiss Agency of Cooperation and Development. We also cooperate with your Ministry of Territorial Administration and with their assistance we implement, for instance, programs of milk processing and horticulture in Synik marz. We have also established close cooperation with the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations, particularly, in the area of natural disaster prevention. With this regard, tomorrow I am leaving for Gyumri where I will attend and observe what the Swiss have done in that area. Switzerland started cooperation with Armenia in the area of natural disaster, particularly, earthquake prevention in 1988, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Armenia.
In conclusion, I would like to once again express hope that our cooperation in the economic and other areas will deepen, and with this regard, Mr. President, I am happy that you will be visiting Switzerland this May.