3 minute read
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received commissioners for diaspora affairs who are in Yerevan to attend the third Global Armenian Summit.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Pashinyan welcomed those present and said:
“In recent years, we have, in effect, been introducing a new institution and a new system together, and I want to thank you for your involvement. We must place the development of the Republic of Armenia, its state institutions, its statehood more broadly and its economy at the heart of our cooperation. The Republic of Armenia must become the epicentre of Armenian life. I must note that this process is, in fact, already taking place in parallel, because we see more and more members of the diaspora becoming more actively involved in developing Armenia’s economy and education. In these areas, we have well-known, even world-renowned projects. But it is also important that we convey our message to all sections of the Armenian people, to all citizens.”
The prime minister stressed the crucial role of the institution of commissioners for diaspora affairs in this work, under the leadership of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.
Pashinyan also spoke about the draft of the new constitution, stressing that it addresses Armenia–diaspora relations.
“I want to draw your attention to another point. As you most likely know, we are working on the text of a new constitution, and the draft, which will undergo further revisions, will be published during November. It contains a very important reference to Armenia–diaspora relations and their purpose. Of course, these relations are multifaceted, but we considered it important to state clearly, including in the draft of the new constitution, what their ultimate goal is. There may be immediate goals, but there must also be an ultimate goal. And we have concluded that the ultimate goal is repatriation, so that people regard the Republic of Armenia as the centre of their lives and activities. It is important to us that Armenians identify with the Republic of Armenia as a very important and inseparable part of their identity, which will, of course, also be reflected in citizenship of the Republic of Armenia and in undertaking activities in the country.”
The meeting covered issues concerning Armenia–diaspora relations, including promoting effective coordination between the commissioners and diplomatic missions, and expanding systematic and effective cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora.