Wednesday, February 6 2019 16:37

ArmInfo.The government of Armenia in its five-year program presented top-priority foreign policy objectives.

According to the source, in the sector of foreign policy the  interests of the citizens of the country guide the government of  Armenia. The foreign policy of the government is aimed at protecting  the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, at ensuring the security  of Armenia and Artsakh, at raising the level of the country's  international reputation. And also on the continuous development of  mutually beneficial and equal relations with all countries, expanding  Armenia's participation in international and regional processes, as  well as on sustainable development of the republic and modernizing  the economy, access to new markets and increasing foreign investment  in Armenia and Artsakh. The main priorities of the government's  foreign policy are international and regional security and the  peaceful resolution of conflicts, international and regional  cooperation for sustainable development, the protection of human  rights, the strengthening of democracy, and the prevention of crimes  against humanity.

Within the framework of the Karabakh conflict settlement, the  Armenian government will act in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group  co-chairs for an exclusively peaceful settlement, which should be  based on the principles of international law, in particular, the  right of peoples to equality and self-determination. The status and  security of Artsakh are priorities for Armenia in the negotiation  process. A peaceful environment is critical to the effectiveness of  negotiations, including building confidence and security measures,  reducing the risk of conflict escalation and eliminating aggressive  rhetoric. The Armenian government reaffirms that Artsakh, as the main  party to the confrontation, should have its decisive word, and should  be involved in the process of establishing peace.

As for the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian  Genocide, the government's program notes that the recognition of this  crime against humanity will contribute to regional security,  stability and solidarity among nations, as well as crime prevention.

In the matter of economic development, the government's efforts will  be focused on the growth of foreign direct investment, the  application of advanced world practices and experience, the opening  of new markets, the promotion of exports and the promotion of  tourism. The government also focuses on the full involvement of the  business potential of the Diaspora, the promotion of economic  interests within the framework of integration structures.

The program also includes the further strengthening of democratic  institutions in Armenia, the strengthening of the protection of human  rights, the promotion of the rule of law, and close cooperation with  relevant international organizations and structures in this area.

In addition, the program focuses on the preservation of international  peace and security, including arms control, the fight against  terrorism and transnational threats. The government will be  consistent in preventing genocides and crimes against humanity,  continuing to play a pioneering role in international efforts in this  area. In this regard, the government will continue to wage an  international struggle against discrimination and intolerance on a  national, ethnic, religious and racial basis.

Strengthening the identity of the Armenian people, protecting and  promoting the historical and cultural heritage are also among the  priorities of the government. The government has focused on  protecting the rights and interests of Armenian citizens in foreign  countries, as well as helping compatriots who find themselves in  emergency situations.

Armenia also intends to deepen relations with the United States. As  noted in the program, Yerevan intends to deepen cooperation with  Washington in the direction of promoting the development agenda and  reforms of Armenia and expanding the dialogue aimed at regional  stability. The agenda of the program includes the deepening of  friendly relations and the expansion of partnerships with the EU, its  member states and other European countries. The program also includes  the development of neighborly relations with Iran and Georgia, which  will be free from other geopolitical influences, expanding  multi-dimensional cooperation with China, developing and deepening  friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with India and Japan.

The government intends to deepen relations with partner countries  from the Middle East, to develop cooperation with American, Asian,  African and Pacific states. On multilateral platforms, the government  attaches great importance to active participation in the UN, OSCE,  the Council of Europe and other international organizations and the  protection of the interests of the Republic of Armenia in the field  of security, sustainable development and human rights. Armenia will  actively participate in the CIS, including developing bilateral  relations with member countries. Armenia will continue the political  dialogue with NATO, consistently implementing the Individual  Partnership Plan. Armenia will deepen participation in the  International Organization of Francophonie.