Foreign Minister Nalbandian met with the Un Secretary-General

On February 27 Vienna hosted the un alliance of civilizations 5th forum goal of which was to consolidate the international community against extremism through intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon opened the forum. High-ranking delegations from 136 countries and international organizations attended the forum.

The Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian, who headed the Armenian delegation at the Forum, addressed a speech. In his speech Minister Nalbandian mentioned that the respect and tolerance to other’s ethnicity, cultural and religious heritage is one of the prerequisites of harmonious and peaceful co-existence. Edward Nalbandian stressed that Armenia is joining the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations with open mind and strong determination to work with member countries to advance the positive message of diversity and civilizational harmony.

The Armenian Foreign Minister's agenda was full of bilateral meetings, as well. Edward Nalbandian met with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who asked Edward Nalbandian to convey his congratulation and wishes to the President of the Republic of Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of being re-elected. Ban Ki-moon wished the President of Armenia successes during his second term.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views on agenda issues. Edward Nalbandian reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to continue its involvement in the UN activities.

Upon the request of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Minister Nalbandian presented the efforts undertaken by Armenia and the international community towards the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. In this context UN Secretary-General expressed his support to the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

In the context of the discussions over the developments in Syria the sides touched upon the problems facing civilians and Armenians in Syria.

In Vienna Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with Lamberto Zannier, OSCE Secretary General

The OSCE Secretary General asked Minister Nalbandian to convey his congratulations to the President of the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of being re-elected. Lamberto Zannier mentioned with satisfaction about the positive assessment of the OSCE Observer Mission on the recent presidential election in Armenia.

The sides exchanged views on the OSCE agenda issues, the active involvement of Armenia in the activities implemented in the frames of the Organization and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Edward Nalbandian met with the Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi. During the talk the sides discussed bilateral relations, regional and international agenda issues.