Author: Nahapetian Samvel

As it is known, Armenia was chosen as the 2018 the host country of the Francophonie Summit to be held on October 11-12, which will preside over this highest instance of the Francophonie for two years.

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, Edward Nalbandyan, announced at the session of the FCA Political Affairs Committee in Yerevan today that Armenia proudly accepted the decision of the leaders of Francophonie member states and governments to choose Armenia as the host country for the XVII Francophonie Summit. This choice is a sign of solidarity, Armenia’s commitment to serving the Francophonie, Francophone values, and appreciation of the activities carried out for the spread of the Francophonie in our region. This decision was also made in 2015. After the success of the 31st Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Yerevan.

“This meeting provides an opportunity to present to you the priorities set by Armenia in the preparations for the Summit. The summit will be held under the theme “Living together”, “Living together respecting solidarity, humanitarian values ​​and diversity as a basis for peace and prosperity in the Francophone region”. The theme “Living Together” was chosen taking into account the realities existing within Francophonie, I would say even at the international level. We are convinced that by “Living together” respecting the humanitarian values ​​we share, it is possible to contribute to our societies. to the further strengthening of unity and peace and well-being in the Francophone area,” said the RA Foreign Minister.

According to him, the concept of “living together” is well known to the Armenian people, Armenians living in more than a hundred countries of the world have been able to fully integrate into the societies of their host countries, at the same time preserving their national identity and emphasizing the importance of the ability to live together in the spirit of mutual respect, harmony, solidarity, and diversity. Nalbandyan noted that he also expects to work towards creating a new fundamental document of the Francophonie entitled “Living Together”, where the principles and values ​​of the “Living Together” vision can be comprehensively laid down: human rights, democracy, equality of women and men, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, the fight against all forms of radicalization and violent extremism that feed terrorism, xenophobia, hateful ideology, intolerance and discrimination.

“From this point of view, we want the Francophonie youth network to participate in this event and contribute to the creation of this document,” he said.

Edward Nalbandian also added that one of the important events of the summit, which they intend to organize, is the Economic Forum of Francophonie. According to the minister, great importance is attached to the consolidation of Francophone enterprises and professional, institutional networks from the point of view of promoting economic ties and improving the business environment. Armenia aims to establish a network of francophone businessmen during the summit.

Today, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received the delegation led by Sylvie Bosutro, head of the Yerevan office of the World Bank. 

The government informs that at the meeting Mrs. Bosutro presented the framework of partnership between WB and Armenia for 2018-2022 and the proposed reform agenda based on the government’s 5-year plan. He emphasized that the World Bank is ready to continue effective cooperation with the RA government in a number of directions, including improving the public administration system, infrastructure, export promotion, human capital development, sustainable environment and natural resource management. The head of the WB Yerevan office emphasized the progress of the changes implemented in Armenia and congratulated to the head of the government regarding the high rates of growth recorded.

Sylvie Bosutro particularly singled out the successful course of constitutional reforms and the completion of the process of transition to the parliamentary system of government, the signing of the RA-EU comprehensive and expanded partnership agreement, the high rates of economic growth recorded in the country and the trends of expanding the involvement of the Diaspora in various sectors of Armenia, noting that, according to the WB, they will also have a positive impact on the implementation of reforms in the country. 

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan emphasized the deepening and expansion of bilateral cooperation, welcomed the presented draft of the program and the proposals for reforms included in it. The CEO suggested continuing discussions with various government agencies on the draft project and thanked the WB for assisting in the implementation of reforms in the water resources management system. Karen Karapetyan noted that the government will continue reforms and steps towards optimization in that area.

“In the field of agriculture, we have started to implement a large set of programs, the purpose of which is to direct the farms to engage in more effective, modern and intensive agriculture. In this regard, it is important for the reforms in the field of water resources management to continue and for it to become a logical business, which will lead to an increase in efficiency, discipline, and cost reduction,” said the Prime Minister. 

During the meeting, a number of other issues related to bilateral cooperation were touched upon.