Celebration of Armenia's independence in Egypt

23 September, 2012

On September 23, 2011, an official reception took place at the Armenian Embassy in Cairo on the Occasion of the 21^st anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia.

Among hundreds of guests were senior officials from the ministries of Foreign affairs, Defense, Culture and education, as well as heads and representatives of more than 70 countries' diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Cairo, famous businessmen, politicians, public figures, artists and journalists. Spiritual leader of the Armenian Community in Egypt and hundreds of Armenians also came to congratulate on this occasion.

In his welcome speech Ambassador of Armenia in Egypt H.E. Dr. Armen Melkonian particularly mentioned independence as the realization of the Armenian nation’s centuries-old wish and dream, touched upon Armenia’s successes and achievements in the past 21 years, the current challenges, as well as the Armenian-Egyptian cooperation, placing importance on the role of the Armenian community in the strengthening of friendly ties between both countries.

Speach of the Ambassador

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s a great honor for me to welcome all of you at this residence on the National Day of my country.

On September 21, 1991 the people of Armenia unanimously voted in favor of independence in a nationwide referendum. An independent Armenian State, the Republic of Armenia, a dream of many generations, became reality. Now we are twenty-one years old. Our path through that period of time wasn't an easy one. The starting conditions were extremely unfavorable and complicated. We faced various crises and ordeals which were overcome with dignity. Still there are vital challenges and problems to be solved, but what make us proud, is that we can speak today about irreversible changes and impressive achievements of the past years. Despite scarce resources and permanent blockade we were able to improve our free market economy. We succeeded in building a free and democratic society along with its appropriate institutions. We contributed to the regional peace and security and have been able to restrain our eastern neighbor's appetite on aggression, which continue to jeopardize stability in our region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this year we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and Arab Republic of Egypt. Moreover, exactly twenty years ago the embassy of Armenia opened its doors in Cairo. The past 20 years was a period of close cooperation based on the centuries old good traditions of sincere friendship and mutual sympathies between our two nations. Armenia and Egypt have succeeded in establishing excellent political, economic, cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation.

Armenia gives great importance to further strengthening and deepening its relations with Egypt which is passing nowadays through a very important phase of its history. Egypt’s democracy movement has captured the world’s attention and admiration over the past twenty months. We are confident that the people of Egypt and its leadership will succeed in fulfilling their aspirations for deepening democratic changes, social justice and economic recovery. We believe that Egypt will continue to fulfill its role as a pillar of regional peace, security and stability.

I avail myself this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all those who are contributing to the strengthening of Armenian-Egyptian relations. In this regard, a significant role belongs to the Armenian-Egyptian community whose many representatives are among you here today.

I thank you all for being present today and celebrating together with us the 21st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia.

Long live the Republic of Armenia!

Long live the Arab Republic of Egypt!

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