“Denial of economic cooperation alienates peoples”
The United Nations Security Council hosted a discussion on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security - the Interdependence between Security and Development."
More than 60 speakers, including Government ministers, the UN Secretary-General and a World Bank official, took part in the day-long debate.
Also speaking at the event was Armenia's Permanent Representative at the United Nations Karen Nazaryan who highlighted the importance of economic cooperation in the maintenance of eternal peace.
"To ensure security and development in the region the South Caucasus continues to confront numerous challenges and difficulties," Karen Nazaryan said in his speech.
"Absence of cooperation hinders progress in the region. The potential that will open real opportunities for trade cooperation and promote regulation of political issues has not been fully used," he continued.
"The international practice shows that economic cooperation can cement confidence between the countries and bring the sides closer - something we witnessed in Western and Eastern Europe and Asia.
The developments of the past two decades show that the denial of economic cooperation and imposition of restrictions and closed borders further alienate peoples, frustrating their hopes and aspiration for peace," he stressed.
Ambassador Nazaryan noted that the South Caucasus needs new initiatives and programs sponsored by donor-countries.
