On October 23, the 3rd International Forum of Alumni of the MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations) was held in the Sports and Concerts Complex named after Karen Demirchyan.

At the opening of the Forum Serzh Sargsyan, President of Armenia, delivered a keynote speech to over 300 participants from 40 states, who arrived in Armenia.

Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO-University, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, presented the welcoming address of Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, in his address to the participants outlined, “The Union of MGIMO Alumni has a huge potential, huge strength in itself. However, not for going round the world, but for making the very world more harmonious, stable and secure for future generations.”

Vasily Nebenzya, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, read the address of Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia.

The redemption ceremony of the post stamp issued by “Haypost” CJSC and dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages took place on the sidelines of the Yerevan Forum of MGIMO Alumni; presentation of the publications, devoted to the 200th anniversary of the Lazarev Institute and Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, that of the illustrated book of the reserve fund of MGIMO book museum followed. An exhibition dedicated to the 200th Anniversary of the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages was on display for the guests.

During the Forum, four plenary sessions on the pressing issues of the international relations were held. The participants discussed issues on regional integration processes, further development of Armenia within Eurasian Economic Union, new situation unfolded in the Middle East and around Iran, the role of China’s economic model and perspectives of the Silk Road. Distinguished scholars and analysts participated in the sessions and made presentations.

On the same day, participants of the Forum of the MGIMO Alumni visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.