Statements and messages of the President of RA
Remarks by President Serzh Sargsyan at the reception held on the occasion of awarding the co-founder of Apple Computer Corporation Steve Wozniak with the RA Presidential Award
Dear Mr. Wozniak,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am happy to welcome in Yerevan one of the most prominent engineers of our time, the co-founder of Apple Computer Corporation Mr. Steve Wozniak. Today, in Yerevan we honor Mr. Wozniak with, as he himself has mentioned in one of his interviews, with “a very special award” – our award for global contribution to the area of Information Technologies.
Those, who follow the news, even those who don’t use in their daily lives means of information technologies know very well who Mr. Wozniak is and what’s been his role.
He is a person, who has revolutionized the world by initiating the creation of personal computers. Thanks to him, computers stepped out from the scientific and military establishments, huge corporations and entered every home, every person’s life. In general, I oppose revolutions unless they take place at the civilization scale like it was with the adoption of Christianity, book-printing, invention of the steam engine, and, naturally, creation of computers. These are commendable revolutions.
They were two friends, two Steves. One of them, Mr. Jobs has died recently; it was untimely death. I express my condolences to you on the loss of your friend, and also to his family and friends. I am confident that Steve Jobs will inspire people in Armenia and all over the world for years to come.
Dear Mr. Wozniak,
I know that your father played a great role in your becoming what you are. He too was a gifted engineer who had encouraged his son to learn and to develop, create new values and most importantly – to be honest and hard working.
I hope that this special award and Steve Wozniak’s example will inspire families in Armenia to encourage their children to study so that they also achieve heights and bring great service to their nation and the entire mankind. These qualities which you, Mr. Wozniak, were given, instilled with by your father, will always be timely and needed. Quest for knowledge, diligence and honesty allow to conquer not only Wall Street but the entire world – with no violence or war. Moreover, it is well-known that the most precious are the victories which are won with little losses or no loss at all.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, considerable progress in the development of information and digital technologies has already been registered in Armenia. This is the fastest growing branch of the Armenian economy, which creates the greatest added value. This area registers 25 percent annual growth and advancement. I am glad that in Armenia there are already more than 300 companies which combine efforts of more than 5000 people whose profession is in great demand, who do what they love, and receive high wages.
It is very important to realize that this area is not constrained by transportation or any other limitations. We will be consistently paving way for the Armenian nation to get the place it deserves in this rapidly changing and forming digital world. We are ready to be flexible and adjust to the conditions set forth by that changing world. This award ceremony is yet another proof of it.
At this point, I would like to acknowledge all those who made this award ceremony possible. You should know that this is an investment in Armenia and in the future of our nation, a true service to Motherland which is highly appreciated.
Mr. Wozniak,
I once again congratulate you on receiving this award. I am happy that you are here, with us. You will certainly get to know our country during this short visit, and we hope you will come to love it. We are always happy to see our friends and convey to them our love and affection.
I am glad that you have come to Armenia, and I am glad that even before coming here, you have said that you’ve become Armenia’s ambassador. It’s a great honor and source of pride for us, and we are thankful to you.