Let me greet all the participants and guests of the already traditional international conference “Regional Security Dynamics in theSouth Caucasus” on the occasion of its transformation into the Annual Forum. The importance of the topic of the Forum is verified both regarding the security interests of the regional states and the authority and influence of the present specialists and experts.
The geopolitical processes occurring in theSouth Caucasusare complex and often difficult to foresee, are under the influence of regional and extra-regional power centers’ interest pooling and competition. This fact creates both additional opportunities and certain challenges for the regional states.
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Armenia’s foreign policy is based on the mutually advantageous cooperation with regional and global actors, mutual respect, and principle of interest pooling. We are sure that the open borders and the implementation of common economic programs can become the best incentive for the formation of the environment of mutual understanding and trust, consequently, for the settlement of political problems. Meanwhile, the policy aimed at creating the separation lines between regional states will inevitably lead to the atmosphere of instability and distrust in theSouth Caucasusas a whole.
The critical challenges facing the region are unresolved conflicts, which need a comprehensive solution.Armeniais convinced that the existing conflicts can be settled only by peaceful negotiations on the basis of fundamental principles of the international law. For theRepublicofArmeniathe OSCE Minsk Group format is the only acceptable platform for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I want to put a special emphasize on the fact that a long lasting peace and stability can be achieved in the region only in case the Nagorno Karabakh population’s physical security and the right to independently decide its fate are guaranteed.
The arms race unleashed by Azerbaijan in the region, its bellicose statements and the propaganda of hatred against Armenians at the highest state level – the latest manifestation of which was the glorification of the Azerbaijani officer Safarov who assassinated with axe the sleeping Armenian officer – seriously undermine the security not only of Armenia but also of the entire South Caucasus. Under these conditionsArmeniais forced to focus greater attention on reforming and improving its defense system as a key factor in containing the belligerent ambitions ofAzerbaijanand ensuring stability in theSouth Caucasus.
In 2008,Armeniainitiated the process of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement offering as a first step the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border without preconditions. In contrast toTurkey,Armeniatoday also adheres to the principles underlying the rapprochement.
Realizing the significance of the involvement of the experts’ potential in the state-level policy developing and preparing the drafts of strategic decisions, Armenia highly evaluates the organization of the Annual International Forum in Yerevan dedicated to the regional security dynamics with the participation of international distinguished analysts.
I wish good luck and productive work to the Annual International Academic Forum dedicated to the regional security dynamics.
SERZH SARGSYAN