Today, the Diplomatic service of Armenia celebrates the Diplomats Day of the Republic of Armenia.

32 years ago, on this very day, the flag of the newly independent Republic of Armenia was raised at the UN headquarters in New York. This day symbolised the ardent desire of our people to live in a free, independent, sovereign and democratic Armenia and our commitment to building the foreign policy of Armenia having the goals and principles of the UN Charter as a guideline. It is no coincidence that March 2, the day of Armenia's accession to the family of independent nations, the United Nations, was later declared as the day of the diplomat and Diplomatic service in Armenia.

The Republic of Armenia has gone and continues to go through many difficulties. Even today, our country faces enormous challenges: their deep understanding and overcoming with dignity requires superhuman efforts and selfless service. Today, in the conditions of global uncertainties, we face difficult trials: overcoming them and achieving cherished goals is possible only through valuing the statehood, through individual and collective dedication.

There have been significant successes and achievements along our path. I am sure that each of us is aware of his or her mission to steadily and consistently strengthen the independence and statehood of Armenia, to advance our priorities as a sovereign country, as a regional partner, as a responsible member of the international system.

Analyzing the past, we look at clear prospects for building the present and the future, including peace in the region and normalization of relations with neighbors.

I congratulate all diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both in the central apparatus of the MFA and abroad, in the bodies of the Diplomatic service of the Republic of Armenia, and wish them continued success in implementing our common mission.