Dear Ms Gottemoeller,

I am glad to welcome you again in Armenia.

25 years ago a foundation for the partnership relations between Armenia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization has been laid. During that quarter century our collaboration has developed and was enriched with new content. Your visit is a good opportunity to summarize the past and outline future ways of cooperation.

As you know on December 13-18 a regular NATO week is held in Armenia, which includes a number of events and seminars.

During our meeting, we have highlighted the importance of continuity of high-level political dialogue and regular contacts. We were pleased to note that Armenia-NATO 5th Individual Partnership Action Plan is being successfully implemented. We emphasized the importance of the practical implementation of the activities of the NATO Trust Fund in Armenia.

Armenia continues its important contribution to the collective efforts towards the establishment of international peace and stability undertaken by the UN and under UN auspices by transforming from a security consumer into a security provider.

Our country itself, having serious security challenges, contributes to the preservation and strengthening of security and stability in other parts of the world.

Together with Ms. Gottemoeller we touched upon a number of urgent regional and international issues.

I presented to Ms. Deputy Secretary General the recent developments around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the joint efforts of Armenia and the Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at the exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict.

In this context, we value NATO's support to the efforts and approaches of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Ms. Gottemoeller, I welcome you again in Yerevan.
Please.