On March 17, in New York Edward Nalbandian, Foreign Minister of Armenia, had a meeting with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“This is our first meeting since you have assumed the office of the UN Secretary-General, and, taking this opportunity, I would like to once again congratulate you for your election to this high and responsible position and wish you success in your important mission,”- said Minister Nalbandian.

Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the President of the Republic of Armenia and on behalf of the President invited António Guterres to visit Armenia.

António Guterres expressed his gratitude for good wishes and invitation and assured, that as the UN Secretary-General he intends to engage in effective cooperation with Armenia.

The Secretary-General noted with satisfaction: “During the twenty five years of its membership Armenia has been actively participating in the activities carried out within the United Nations, cooperating with numerous structures and circles of the Organization, proposing initiatives that deserve high appreciation.”

Foreign MInister assured that Armenia will continue its constructive engagement and active actions aimed at the implementation of the UN goals.

Edward Nalbandian presented to the UN Secretary-General the initiatives of Armenia towards prevention of genocides and crimes against humanity.

The sides also touched upon the urgent international and regional issues.

The situation in the Middle East, issues related to refugees and migration flows were discussed. In this context António Guterres praised the efforts of Armenia aimed at providing asylum to refugees, noting that they are exemplary.

Edward Nalbandian presented the current situation in the process of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. He referred to the agreements reached at the Summits held in Vienna and St. Petersburg last year. The Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his support for the efforts of OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair countries towards the exclusively peaceful settlement of the issue.

Within the framework of his visit to New York Edward Nalbandian also had a meeting with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman. They discussed issues related to the involvement of Armenia within the framework of the UN.