Armenia strongly committed to further strengthen relations with Arab  world - Armenian FM

ArmInfo.Armenia attaches great importance to its relations with the Arab world due to the geographical proximity, historical and cultural ties, the presence of  large Armenian communities in Arab countries as well as regional  security issues, Armenia's FM Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview  with the Egyptian AlQahera News Agency. 

"Armenia's relations with the Arab states have always been based on  mutual respect and sincere friendship.  A good manifestation of that  was my participation and the speech delivered during the Session of  the Council of the League of Arab States, as mentioned above. This  was the 1st time that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia  delivered a speech during the Ministerial Session of the Arab League.  The decision within the Arab League was taken by consensus of all  member states, which already speaks about a certain political  understanding between Armenia and all the members of the League.

"Armenia is strongly committed to further strengthen political,  economic as well as cultural relations with all the Arab States. We  notice a similar approach on the partners' side and think that there  are no major obstacles on our way. It is important for us to be well  understood by our Arab brothers and not let any speculation by third  parties shadow our century-old relations," Mr Mirzoyan said. 

As regards Armenia's relations with Egypt, he said: 

"The relations between the two countries are, of course, based on the  historically friendly ties between Armenian and Egyptian nations.  Starting from the Middle Ages our compatriots have played a  significant role in the political, social and cultural life of Egypt.  During the World War I, escaping the Genocide committed by the  Ottoman Empire, Armenians received a safe shelter in the Arab  countries, including in Egypt where they found a new home. This will  never be forgotten by the Armenians. And I am proud to note that  during my recent visit to Cairo both political figures and religious  leaders of Egypt once again emphasised the great contribution of the  Armenian community to the progress and development of Egypt.

"Based on these ties, the two countries have been demonstrating  willingness and commitment to further develop bilateral relations on  the state level. During the last three decades, since the  independence of the Republic of Armenia, we have developed close  relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt, which have constantly been  growing and expanding.

"So far, this year has been very significant in bilateral relations  and in particular in terms of political dialogue, starting with  President El-Sisi's historic visit to Armenia in January. Earlier  last year the President of Armenia visited Egypt to attend COP-27 and  on March 8, as you know, in the margins of the session of the Council  of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level I had an  opportunity to discuss questions of mutual interest with my  colleague, Minister Sameh Shoukri.

"There is willingness on both sides to further deepen our  cooperation, including in the economic sphere.  The next session of  the Armenian-Egyptian intergovernmental committee, along with a  business forum, is planned later this year, and we hope that it will  bear several tangible results. A business forum between Armenian and  Egyptian tour operators was already organised in Cairo in February,  the next one is expected in Yerevan. We are convinced that there is  huge untapped potential with Egypt that we should explore and firmly  realise it."