CANADA MARKS 20 YEARS OF RECOGNITION OF ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Government of Canada
Jan 11 2012

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following
statement on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Canada’s
recognition of Armenia’s independence:

“Twenty years ago today, Canada was among the first Western nations
to recognize Armenia as an independent state and, a few days later,
to formally establish diplomatic relations. Today, we enjoy a strong
and growing partnership, notably through our ongoing cooperation in
multilateral organizations.”

“Over the years, we have forged bonds of friendship and cooperation
based on our shared commitment to promoting democratic values and
global peace and security. These links have been further strengthened
by the presence of more than 50,000 Canadians of Armenian descent
who continue to make significant contributions to Canada’s cultural,
political and economic life.”

To mark the anniversary, Minister Baird recently met with Armenian
ambassador to Canada, Armen Yeganian, and presented him with a framed
reproduction of the official declaration establishing diplomatic
relations between Canada and Armenia.