YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: In Strasbourg – in the headquarters of the Council of Europe, the Permanent Representation of Armenia to the Council of Europe organized on September 22 a reception on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of Armenia’s Independence. Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Armen Papikyan delivered a welcoming speech, Press, Information and Public Relations Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Armenia told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Papikyan stressed in his speech that it is already 23 years that Armenia has taken the irreversible path to democracy, and the support of the Council of Europe is important on that path.

Speaking of the achievements of Armenia during the independence years, the ambassador said that Armenia is a dynamically developing democratic state, based on the values and principles of the Council of Europe. Human rights, the rule of law, democracy are not only slogans in Armenia but also integral components of the state’s development strategy.

Top officials of the Council of Europe, diplomats, self-governing bodies of Strasbourg and representatives of the Armenian community attended the reception.