The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan for the work carried out during this difficult period. “We are going through a challenging and difficult period: if the military intensity has decreased due to the well-known circumstances, the intensity of diplomatic work is increasing, and the diplomatic front is the most important now. In this regard, I hope that the newly appointed Minister will consolidate and concentrate the diplomatic apparatus for solving our national and state issues. I hope that Mr. Mnatsakanyan, who enjoys great respect and authority of the staff, will support us in this regard,” the Prime Minister said.

Nikol Pashinyan stressed the importance of defining the issues because, according to him, sometimes we are having a problem defining them. “All this should be analyzed, conclusions should be done, we should not be afraid of being resolute in our conclusions, being hard on ourselves, so that we could come out stronger in this situation,” the Prime Minister said, wishing Ara Aivazian every success in his future activities.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his trust and joint work, and wished success to Ara Aivazian. “I have no doubt that Mr. Aivazian has the necessary potential to lead the Foreign Ministry and promote our national agenda on the foreign policy dimension. I would also like to thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your trust in the apparatus and the support over the years that helped us strengthen and improve the professionalism of the system. I have no doubt that the Foreign Ministry has a great potential to promote the national agenda and the state interests of Armenia in this crucial time. Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to thank you for the important agenda that you are promoting in terms of strengthening Armenia’s democratic foundations. After all, the foreign policy is a continuation of domestic policy, and our diplomatic potential and capabilities are more successful when our back is strong, when we are able to appear as a strong and self-confident country and nation. We are going through a crucial period and I have no doubt that our people go through this period with determination to strengthen our country, build a free and prosperous life in Armenia,” Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said.

In his turn, Ara Aivazian expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Pashinyan for entrusting him with the responsible position of Foreign Minister at this difficult time.  “As a career diplomat, I perceive your decision as an expression of trust towards the Foreign Ministry. I have made this decision, which is based on your proposal, as a state servant, being fully aware of the heavy burden of responsibility, but at the same time, knowing that our diplomatic family would provide unconditional support to our cherished cause,” Ara Aivazian said.

According to the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, the continuation of the heroic battle of Artsakh is gradually transferred from the battlefield to the diplomatic arena, and everyone is well aware of the huge responsibility before the state, nation and history. “The diplomatic army - Foreign Ministry apparatus and the diplomatic missions will continue to fully utilize our capacities, Ministry’s 30-years-long professional experience, dedication and determination to encounter the crucial challenges and pave a way for dignified and effective solutions. Diplomacy is said to be the art of getting the most out of opportunities: we did so yesterday, today, and will do our utmost tomorrow. I am convinced that we will seek to achieve what seems impossible at this stage. Mr. Prime Minister, I want to assure you, as well as our people, the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, our sisters and brothers in Diaspora, that everyone present here understands that the country’s present and future depends on their best effort. Thank you again, Mr. Prime Minister, and may God help us in our endeavors,” the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Pashinyan wished all diplomats every success in their future activities and emphasized the importance of building and strengthening the state institutions to serve national and people’s interests of Armenia.