Council of Europe Secretary General vows continued support to Armenia

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan held a meeting in Yerevan with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.

The President commended the high-level, regular dialogue and mutual-visits between Armenia and the CoE and the rich agenda between the parties in the current year.

“I am happy to welcome you. I attach great importance to your visit to Armenia. It is noteworthy that the Council of Europe was the first European organization with which we began to work after gaining independence, and I remember our excitement and sense of responsibility for that work in the nineties. This went on when we became a fully fledged member of the parliamentary assembly of the council of Europe. Thus, we assumed obligations which we fulfilled and continue to fulfill. In this context I’d like to express gratitude for the consistency and support. I am speaking particularly about the instillment of democratic values,” Khachaturyan said in his welcoming remarks, according to his office.

Secretary General Alain Berset thanked for the warm reception. “I am really happy to visit Armenia. This visit underscores the support that we’ve always provided for Armenia. We are really deeply impressed by the developments that the country has had over the past thirty years,” he said.

The parties discussed the close cooperation between Armenia and the Council of Europe in the process of the establishment of democratic institutions. In this context, the importance of the ongoing comprehensive reforms implemented by the Armenian authorities for protection of democratic values, rule of law, preservation of the fundamental human rights and freedoms was highlighted.

Speaking about the regional security situation, Khachaturyan presented Armenia’s position, reiterating the country’s determination to achieve sustainable and lasting peace.

The President said that Armenia is fully committed to its international obligations and is ready for constructive partnership aimed at strengthening stability and security in the region.

Secretary General Alain Berset underscored the CoE’s readiness to continue to support Armenia in strengthening democratic structures, developing the justice system and human rights protection. He highlighted the implementation of sustainable and inclusive reforms as the foundation of a democratic society and said that the CoE will remain a reliable partner in the process.