Thank you Minister,

It is a real pleasure to be in Yerevan. A Greek feels like home in Armenia. Our peoples have shared too much history together and this has built strong, long lasting ties that continue to serve as a catalyst for our two countries’ relations.  The signing of the aviation agreement is testimony of our excellent relations.

I am here today both in my capacity as Chairperson of the OSCE and as the Foreign Minister of Greece. I am here as a friend who can contribute in Armenia’s path towards a closer relationship with Europe and its institutions.

Let me start with the OSCE. As you probably know, last weekend, Greece hosted the first-ever informal ministerial OSCE meeting that launched the Corfu process.

I want to thank Minister Nalbandian for his significant contribution.  We count on Armenia’s continued support as we embark on our open and frank dialogue on European security, in view of the Athens December Ministerial Meeting.

Today we will inaugurate the OSCE’s new offices in Yerevan. It is very important that the OSCE Office in Yerevan enjoys such a high level of cooperation with Armenia. Its activities include mitigating the impact of the financial crisis at a critical time, co-operation with the police and supporting the office of the Human Rights Defender.

I am confident that we can deepen this cooperation. The Office is here to serve the people of Armenia and to assist them as they build an open, free and democratic society. As they lay the foundation for a stronger civil society, respectful of its past and ready to take the future into its own hands.

For more than a year now, Armenia and Azerbaijan have participated constructively, at the top level, in a new round of negotiations that have inspired optimism. Talks are at a critical point.  I am encouraged by the political will expressed by both sides and the Minsk Group’s commitment to bring about positive results.

Armenia is an important country for stability in the South Caucasus.  While continuing political reforms at home, it had begun a sensitive dialogue with Turkey. It has demonstrated maturity and self-confidence that larger and stronger countries often miss. I wish you well in your efforts and express sincere hope they will be successful.

In closing I just want to note that bilateral relations are excellent. Greece and Armenia are natural friends and partners.  We consider Armenia as part of Europe and we are ready to work with you in order to bring your country closer to the European Union.