The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended the opening of “Baze” annual youth gathering in Tsakhkadzor.

Welcoming and felicitating the campers on behalf of the Government of Armenia and himself, the Head of Government stated in part, “I am pleased to meet with young people who have come together under the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, which is the motto of this annual gathering.

The organization of this annual gathering in the framework of youth programs is among the priorities of the Government, as it promotes national values and ideas, the preservation of the Armenian identity and the consolidation Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora relations.

Dear participants,

Throughout its 13-year-long history, “Base” managed to unite many thousands of young people from the Motherland and the Diaspora, becoming a unique youth movement in Armenia and one of the most important objectives to rally Armenian youth for the sake of consolidation and development of the Armenian statehood. I want to emphasize that I am proud of you, the younger generation, which is endowed with a high sense of national identity. I am convinced that owing to your activities we will have a strong and developed country in the future.

Dear youth,

Concluding his speech, I would like to note that youth issues have always been in the spotlight of the Government, and the Executive will continue to implement programs aimed at comprehensive development of young people. Reiterating my congratulations, I wish you every success, new achievements and lifelong happiness.”

After the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister talked to the campers, answering their questions that related to his government’s economic policies, the development of infrastructures and the Government’s approaches to a number of issues.

The Premier advised that a number of large projects are being implemented in the country to develop infrastructure, including roads, drinking and irrigation water mains, carry out major repairs, reconstruction of schools and cultural centers, as well as other projects vital for the country’s economic activity.

According to the Prime Minister, Armenia is in for an abundant harvest this year, which highlights the importance of the irrigation campaign. Efforts are underway to boost crops exports. In particular, 21 thousand tons of apricots and 70 thousand tons of vegetables have already been exported from Armenia. The growth in exports was largely facilitated by the increase in Dariali border checkpoint’s working hours as agreed upon during the latest meeting of the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia.

In this connection, Hovik Abrahamyan noted that Armenia-Georgia relations are maintained on a solid foundation at present, and the sides are trying to expand the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said that the Government will continue to implement large-scale programs aimed at economic development. Soon work will begin on the construction of the third Armenia-Iran power transmission line. Two similar lines will be built between Armenia and Georgia and, as a result, our country will strengthen its position as energy exporter. The Head of Government added that trade and economic relations with Iran are intensifying, and other programs will soon be implemented.

Hovik Abrahamyan advised that he is going to pay a visit to China, during which he will discuss with his Chinese counterpart the possibility of Chinese companies’ participation in the construction of Iran-Armenia railroad. Investment programs will be implemented in the capital city. In particular, USD150 million will be invested in the Old Yerevan project and so on.

Referring to the rise in electricity tariffs, the Premier noted that the Government’s point of view will be made public following consultations with the PSRC and the relevant study by an international consulting company.

The Prime Minister added that the process of international auditing will start soon start in Armenia’s power networks, and the public will be able to get answers to their questions. Hovik Abrahamyan stressed that as promised, the Government will continue subsidizing the actual increase in the price of electricity (6.93 drams) until the completion of the aforementioned study.

Summing up his remarks, the Prime Minister wished the participants cohesion and unity. “We must combine our strength to our country has evolved. We must unite our forces and move ahead and make every effort to provide people with jobs. This is our main task. In parallel, all the political forces, civil society should help the Government and contribute to the progress of our country,” the Premier said.

This year “Baze” annual gathering is attended by about 500 young people from Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The gathering consists of three large groups symbolizing the tricolor, which in turn are divided into 45 groups of 9 people.

Within a period of 7 days, the participants shall be competing in intellectual, cultural and sporting events. “Baze” seeks to rally young people under national symbols, enable self-manifestation and competition.