The delegation led by RA NA Speaker Alen Simonyan is on a three-day working visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, in honor of the delegation led by the Speaker of the RA National Assembly, there was an official reception on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom Parliament, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Sir Lindsay Hoyle welcomed the visit of the Armenian delegation, noted that Armenia and the United Kingdom are good partners, and conveyed the message to the RA NA Speaker Allen Simonyan. We present the speech of the head of the Armenian Parliament in total.
“First of all, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for the invitation to visit the United Kingdom. Such visits are vital and contribute to expanding mutual understanding and cooperation. I would like to present a complete picture of the situation in Armenia to the British side.
We value the close cooperation between Armenia and the United Kingdom and hope to strengthen our relations in all areas of mutual interest through joint efforts.
We are delighted to welcome the announcement of the start of strategic dialogue between Armenia and Great Britain, and we hope that it will open a new era in our bilateral relations. I’d like to emphasize the importance of the legal framework of our relationship. In this regard, you must complete the work on the Comprehensive and Extended Partnership Agreement.
For the rest of the world, the prospect of a post-Soviet state accepting genuine democratic elections and rejecting the Orwellian farce that goes on in the name of democracy must be surprising. However, I proudly claim that Armenia has chosen that very path. Despite our challenges, we are unwavering in our belief that democracy is the best political structure to unleash human potential in its many forms.
Now let me focus on the events taking place in Armenia. As you probably know 2018, a velvet revolution took place in our country. Thanks to this non-violent action, the Armenian people decided their future, rejected the authorities that ruled our country for more than two decades and elected a new parliament in free elections to protect the interests of their state.
Armenia is fully committed to further democratic reforms in all spheres of political and economic life, including the armed forces and the judiciary. Even after the terrible 44-day war of 2020, our people voted for the current authorities in the extraordinary elections, believing that they are the only force capable of leading them on the path of democracy, the provision of fundamental rights and freedoms, the creation of an inclusive society and the prosperity of all.
In recent resolutions, the European Parliament highly appreciates the evolution of Armenia. It is said that the country’s fight against crime and corruption has made it one of the safest countries in the region. Furthermore, our country is noted for empowering women, especially in the context of decision-making at all levels.
As for democratic reforms, the resolutions highlight the country’s significant progress since 2018, which characterizes the country as a regional leader in democracy. In particular, the last two elections were highly appreciated. The European Parliament recognized efforts to ensure the integrity of the political financing system and increase the transparency and accountability of political parties.
In its latest report, Freedom House also noted the democratic achievements of our country in 2022, highlighting progress in the field of NGOs and the media and noting that it was the only country among transit countries to advance in more than one indicator. The report also recognizes the enormous challenges our country faces in the face of Azerbaijan.
Indeed, there is still much to be done, but the Armenian government is transparent in its vision and steadfast in its determination to fulfill its mission. Armenia is determined to thrive in a safe and peaceful region independent of any external threat. We have no territorial claim to our neighbors. We strive to protect our sovereignty and ensure the security of our country. These are our core principles and the essence of our mandate.
But we strive for more. We see Armenia as a crossroads with substantial untapped potential, a land connecting East and West, a land of trade that unites peoples and calms enmity. Thank you for your attention.”
