On April 2 the ceremony of awarding honorary doctorate degree to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian took place at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University). The ceremony was attended by high-ranking representatives of the MFA of the Russian Federation, nearly thirty Ambassadors accredited to Armenia with residence in Moscow, lecturers and students of MGIMO, authoritative analysts and journalists.

Opening the ceremony Rector of MGIMO Anatoly Torkunov stated that many Armenians have studied and currently also continue studying at the Institute. He underlined that the University headed by him to a certain extent is the successor of the Institute of Oriental Languages established in Moscow 200 years ago by the Armenian family of Lazarians.The President of the University said that Edward Nalbandian is one of the best graduates of MGIMO who after successfully finishing the University passed a serious career in diplomacy and currently is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Academician Torkunov presenting the decision of the Academic Council of the University to award honorary doctorate degree to Edward Nalbandian, pointed that it has been made by taking into account the prominent contribution of Edward Nalbandian in development of international cooperation, enhancement of peace and international security, expanding relations between Armenia and Russia. Then he handed the diploma and the mantle of honorary doctorate to Edward Nalbandian.

Afterwards Minister Nalbandian delivered a speech and expressed gratitude to the Academic Council for awarding him the degree of honorary doctorate. He said: “Seems it was recently but in fact more than 40 years have passed from the time I entered the Institute. I am proud that I have graduated from Moscow State Institute of International Relations which is one of the best educational institutions in the world for training diplomats.

I accept this degree as a sign of respect to all Armenian alumni of MGIMO which have used their knowledge and skills acquired here for the service to the Motherland, for protecting and forwarding its interests.”

In his speech Minister Nalbandian presented the main directions and priorities of the Armenian foreign policy, allied relations between Armenia and Russia, cooperation of Armenia with the United States, European Union and neighboring countries, steps towards developing partnership with other continents and countries, deepening involvement in international organizations and processes, peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh issue and consistent efforts towards prevention of crimes against humanity.

After the speech Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia answered the questions of the audience.