Sargsyan's toast
In honor of President Serzh Sargsyan, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Latvia, an official dinner was served on behalf of President Valdis Zatlers and Mrs. Lilita Zatlere.
Serzh Sargsyan's toast during the official dinner served in honor of Serzh Sargsyan on behalf of Presidentn Valdis Zatlers
Distinguished Mr. President and Mrs. Zatlere,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am very touched by the warm reception to the Armenian delegation. Today I am in Latvia on an official visit at the invitation of my counterpart Mr. Zatlers and Armenia had the pleasure of hosting Mr. and Mrs. Zatlers a year ago. I believe the frequency of such high-level visits best express the high level of political dialogue and mutual trust between our countries.
The diplomatic relations between our countries have a history of 20 years, but the history of relations between our nations is longer. The diplomatic relations and the active political dialogue between our states affirm the realization of the Armenian and Latvian nations' dream of living in a free and independent country and the mutual support in turning that into irreversible.
Based on the developments of history, Armenians have been known as intermediaries in contacts between the East and the West, as well as the North and the South. Armenian traders also focused on Latvia and Armenian capital has had its presence in this country since the late 19th century and there are over 4,000 Armenians living and working in Latvia today.
However, the Latvian-Armenian community is just one of the many strings tying our countries together. Armenia and Latvia are similar in many terms and I'm not referring to territory and population. Like Latvia, Armenia has also chosen Europe's path toward development. Armenia has faith in the same values that are based on the principles of democracy and the protection of human rights. Our countries are not rich with petroleum. So, we must be flexible and diligent and should link our development to human capital. We mustn't spare any efforts to encourage direct ties between our nations, as well as making the political, economic, cultural and other components meaningful.
I personally have very good impressions of my visits to Latvia in my prime. I am pleased to mention that when I visited Riga as defense minister of the newly independent Armenia, I became convinced that your wonderful capital is becoming more and more beautiful by the year.
Our nations' interest in each other's culture, art and literature has a rich history. Thanks to the translations by Latvian Maris Chaklays, who is also a good friend of the Armenian people, Latvians were able to acknowledge Armenian literature. I am pleased to see that the ministries of culture of our countries were able to give a correct evaluation of these relations and are bringing back the best traditions by contributing to the strengthening of cultural ties.
Distinguished Mr. President,
By building ties with Latvia, we take into account not only our common history, but the common future. Today, Latvia is not only a friend to Armenia, but an important partner in the framework of the collaboration between Armenia and the European Union. Armenia is committed to deepening its relations with the European Union and from that angle we appreciate Latvia's support and willingness to assist in Armenia's efforts to join the large European family. We view Latvia as not only a political, but also an economic link tying Armenia and the European Union together.
Ladies and gentlemen,
With this emphasis on looking toward the future, I ask you to drink a toast in honor or
-the landlords, President of Latvia, Mr. Valdis Zatlers
and Mrs. Lilita Zatlere
-the bright future of the Armenian and Latvian nations and
-the Armenian-Latvian friendship.
