Official dinner in honor of Austrian President

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS: In honor of the President of Austria Heinz Fischer and his wife Margit Fischer who are in Armenia on official visit on behalf of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and his wife Rita Sargsyan today was given an official dinner. Armenpress was informed from the President’s press office that President Serzh Sargsyan in his toast reverberated to 20 years old history of interstate relations between two countries as well as to linkages of Armenian and Austrian nations including the continuous presence of Armenians in Austria.

“When speaking about Armenian-Austrian linkages I have to remember an Austrian intelligent whose name is written with golden letters in our history. I speak about Franz Werfel.

After the horrible earthquake in Armenia in 1988 Austria was among the first countries which gave a hand of help to Armenian nation, than it was followed by construction of Austrian hospital and district in Gyumri. We are forever grateful to Austrian Government for that.

During the 20 years after the independence of Armenia our relations have achieved great progress but the unused potential is still great. Armenia is ready to make all efforts for achieving that goal.

Austria is a member of European Union and Armenia has decided to be closer to European family. Our relations with European Union have achieved big progress. Eastern partnership gives good opportunities for that progress.

We express our satisfaction for that Austrian Development Agency included Armenia among the priority countries for cooperation.

For developing cooperation we have also serious expectations in cultural, educational, tourism spheres. I would like to mention the cultural sphere. Austrian music and literature inspired many generations in different corners of the world. I think many people in Austria are interested in Armenian culture” said President Serzh Sargsyan.

Austrian President thanked President Serzh Sargsyan for the invitation and warm hospitality and mentioned in his toast: “Armenia has a history of 3000 years. Back in ancient times it was the cradle of high arts and the first country which accepted Christianity as a state religion. We are glad that we will see tomorrow some of the exclusive monuments including Geghard monetary.

Unfortunately Armenian nation had to suffer a lot during history: I visited Tsitsernakaberd in order to rise in memory of victims of tragic events in 1915. In other stages of Armenian history also have been tragic cases.

Today we have bilateral relations which are 20 years old. Armenian was the first country of South Caucasus which had its ambassador in Vienna. Austria expands its presence in Armenia during the last years.

Representatives of many Austrian enterprises are among my delegation to establish new ties and find new partners. I would like to call Armenian businessmen to use the advantages of Austrian economy.

The good cultural relations are kept also on due to Mkhitaryans.

I heartedly congratulate Yerevan city on occasion of being elected as “World Book capital 2012” and I am glad that Austria is represented with great literary program.

Besides the bilateral relations our countries are united by good formed multi-lateral relations.