Welcoming remarks by President Serzh Sargsyan at the first Armenian-Russian interregional cooperation conference

Dear Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I welcome the participants of the first Armenian-Russian interregional cooperation conference.

This large-scale event, which has brought together the leaders of central and regional state governance structures of the two countries, representatives of business communities and the general public, is being conducted in Armenia for the first time. However, it’s not the only reason why the conference has attracted great attention: First of all, it is conditioned by the special nature of the Armenian-Russian partnership and, certainly, by the sincere desire of the people to further develop already existing close relations and simply enjoy friendship, just as old and good friends do.

Our regular meetings with the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, incessant ties at all levels of the interstate cooperation confirm our mutual desire to develop our cooperation across the board – in political, economic, and humanitarian areas. I am confident that regularity of the meetings, extensive agenda of the issues under discussion prove the determination of the parties to further develop the constructive foreign policy interaction, joint efforts in the international forums, and increase the turnover. There are over 1400 enterprises with the Armenian-Russian and entirely Russian capital. The investment portfolio is nearly 3 billion USD., and these indicators tend to rise. Also this happens when the world economy has not yet recovered after the consequences of the global economic and financial crisis. Moreover, it is obvious that potential opportunities are much more extensive than the results that we are having today. We see such potential and prospects in the development of the relations between the regions our two countries. Today, the interregional cooperation involves all marzes of Armenia and over 70 administrative regions of the Russian Federation. It means that such format is wanted, it helps in the resolution of practical issues, enhances attraction of new investments and new technologies, and boosts innovations.

Our relations in the humanitarian, cultural, educational, health care and tourism areas also acquire a larger content. It provides another opportunity to preserve and augment historic spiritual heritage of our two nations and, in general, to enrich the multicolored palette of the Armenian-Russian relations. Armenia and Russia have an intensive air communication network. Each week our countries connect by more than hundred flights on a dozen of directions. For the tourists arriving from Russia, Armenia is attractive for the opportunity to communicate in Russian at all levels, as well as for the attitude towards the Russian Federation and its people. I believe that certain mechanisms for the increase of the tourist flows should be developed, including through the corporate vacations, eco as well as historical and cultural tourism opportunities.

Tourism is also important because it provides an opportunity to our peoples to communicate directly; it increased the level of mutual trust, mutual benevolent attitude and it in turn can have a multiplying effect on the cooperation in other areas. I would like to see more active relations between the educational and cultural institutions, between the business promoting structures and civic society establishments of our countries.

Another important area of our interregional cooperation is activities of our joint ventures, and, first of all, between those enterprises which are aimed at the introduction in our industries of the innovative technologies and high standards. Regional administrations and business structures should provide more attention to this issue. Recently, I have stated that the government of Armenia is working on creating special conditions for the enterprises, which work with innovative technologies, and we would be glad to look into the relevant proposals of the Russian side.

Work in this area, also at the regional level, should be aimed at the considerable simplification of the administrative procedures, easing of the local tax and restricting measures in order to provide greater opportunities for the development of direct ties. New ideas, scientific research and innovative solutions, which are quite doable on the regional level, should not get lost in bureaucratic labyrinth.

I believe that today’s conference is also important from the viewpoint of finding mutually acceptable models and efficient forms of business partnership, expansion of corporate ties for a more comprehensive use of the economic and intellectual potential existing in the regions of our two countries. That’s why, this conference is of truly practical nature which adds to its value. It is proved by the exhibition timed to the conference and the agreements to be signed today, and very concrete topics of the round-tables.

In conclusion, I would like to wish our regions and administrative units well-coordinated, joint work for the benefit of our two countries. We hope that the conference will be conducted regularly, and each time we will witness geographic and thematic expansion of cooperation.