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Madam President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

Excellencies,

Fellow parliamentarians,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the beginning of my speech I want to state that we strongly condemn the terrorist attack that took place in Moscow city and claimed many lives. My condolences to the relatives of the victims and wishes for speedy recovery to those injured.

I have the pleasure to greet you all in Geneva after a five-year hiatus and hope that the issues discussed at the Assemblies of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will contribute to the cause of peace, security, and stability that the organization seeks. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Mrs. Tulia Ackson on her election as IPU President and wish her success in her mission.

Parliamentary diplomacy has become a force in international relations. It fosters stronger relationships between nations through inter-parliamentary dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation. Such efforts contribute to building trust, understanding, and collaboration among countries. Recently, there has been much talk about soft power. In this regard, I wish to state that parliamentary delegations and exchanges contribute to public diplomacy efforts, strengthening a country’s soft power. By engaging with foreign counterparts, parliamentarians can shape public opinion, build networks, and convey a positive image of their country abroad.

The Armenian National Assembly, under my leadership, emphasizes parliamentary diplomacy. Armenian MPs are involved in various inter-parliamentary forums, engaging with their counterparts to strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding.

We, members of parliament, are doing our best to promote the peace process. The security situation in the region and the development of defense capabilities remain a high priority for Armenia. Our country seeks to restore regional transit roads and infrastructure. The “Crossroads of Peace” project devised by the Armenian government will, we believe, revitalize economic ties in the region and have a positive impact on the overall security situation.

As a vivid example of parliamentary diplomacy, I would like to mention the recent visit by the IPU Secretary General Mr. Martin Chungong to Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at understanding the situation in the South Caucasus region. Following his visit, the Secretary General suggested organizing a trilateral meeting between him, me, and the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament. The meeting took place on March 22^nd here in Geneva.

Colleagues,

You may be unaware that from September 12 to 14 2024, the 10^th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will take place in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. I wish to take this opportunity to invite young MPs to attend the conference. It will enable them to have first-hand information about our beautiful country and foster ties among themselves in the true spirit of parliamentary diplomacy.

Thank you.