Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Distinguished Chairman,
Excellencies,
Dear Colleagues and Participants,
I have the honor to greet you all and extend my gratitude to the FAO leadership for the invitation to the Summit and the warm reception.
The Republic of Armenia has been involved in the activities of FAO for almost two decades now, as a full member of the Organization since 1993.
This period of cooperation has produced tangible results. We are proud to note that the "Pathways to Success" publication of FAO recognizes the success story of Armenia, together with three other states, in achieving defined objectives and solving the problems in the sector.
However, as there are still remaining issues, we will need to work with renewed vigor to consolidate gains and sustain visible progress in the field of agriculture.
Mr. Chairman,
It is common knowledge that food production is at high risk anywhere in the world, including Armenia. The current global crisis, too, has affected demand for food, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we attach great importance to this Summit and the efforts of all the states and international organizations to resolve the issues.
The dignitaries and officials present here today will get to discuss the summit declaration. I am confident that the discussion will be productive and interesting. My position on the matter can be rather concisely and clearly formulated.
The Republic of Armenia supports the Declaration of the World Summit on Food Security. The Declaration corresponds to the vision of our Government, and we concur with its underlying principles.
Mr. Chairman,
We highly appreciate the decision to hold the 36th Session of FAO's European Commission on Agriculture and the 27th European Regional Conference of FAO in Yerevan from 10 to 14 May, 2010. Let me assure you that the Republic of Armenia Government will arrange the events in the best way possible. I hope that the decisions to be taken in Yerevan will contribute to a significant improvement in the level of food security. We look forward to seeing you in Yerevan.
Mr. Chairman,
Allow me, on behalf of the Republic of Armenia Government, to extend my profound gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization and personally to Director General, Doctor Jacques Diouf, to all the members of the donor community and to all the countries of good will, for their collaborative efforts in finding solutions to shared problems faced by the world.
I am confident that, by joint efforts of all the countries, we will be able to overcome all the challenges of food insecurity and gradually eradicate hunger and poverty from the face of the Earth.
Thank you for your attention.
