Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan delivered opening remarks during the inaugural "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum. The Foreign Ministry press handout reads:
“I warmly welcome you all to the "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum, held for the first time in the capital of the Republic of Armenia.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has already thoroughly elaborated on and outlined our peace agenda, presented the details of the ongoing processes in the region, along with arguments and counter-arguments. Therefore, I will try to share some views of a slightly different and perhaps more general nature, with the intention of provoking and encouraging our dialogue today and in the future in a positive and constructive sence.
Dear colleagues,
As the world-renowned American writer of Armenian origin, William Saroyan, said in his play "My Heart is in the Highlands," "something went wrong somewhere". Though simple, this phrase perfectly captures the current situation both around us and in various regions.
It must be acknowledged that our world has never been marked by infallibility, equal protection of everyone’s rights or strict adherence to rules of coexistence. However, the events of recent years have significantly reinforced the truth of the expression I quoted. Moreover, the rapid pace of change and uncertainty continues even now, amplifying unpredictability.
This is not just a theoretical, scientific claim but a visible and tangible reality. A reality that directly affects at the global level, international relations, and at the individual level, a large number of human destinies: the human losses and mutilated destinies recorded as a result of man-made and natural disasters in different corners of the world are not just astounding statistical numbers, but very specific human lives. with names, surnames, and faces.
The blatant violations of the norms of international law, deepening crisis, ongoing wars, and crimes against humanity testify to the actual disintegration of the world order that has existed for many years and more or less acceptable and viable rules of the game.
Controversy and competition between global players further deepen the polarization and fragmentation of world politics, while various regional actors in turn challenge the world order, claiming to play a greater role and shape their spheres of influence. Small states are trying to sell in this raging ocean having before them the imperative to protect and preserve their own statehood, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Along with creating many benefits, technological progress also brings new challenges for states and people, from cyber security issues to artificial intelligence, the consequences of which are not yet fully understood or revealed, thus unpredictable. Hybrid threats and the deliberate spread of disinformation add a new layer to already complex, multi-layered international crises.
As a minister of a country that has gone through and is going through democratic transformations that have seemed impossible for a long time and is aware of the importance of valuing and maintaining this achievement and steadily moving along the democratic path of development, among the existing challenges, I must also emphasize the threats to democracy, its values and principles, as well as the strong need to prove with joint efforts that democracy can achieve tangible results, including as a guarantee of crisis resistance, stability and development. In order to give at least a little optimism to what I said, I can bring our own example, Armenia, when with the mechanisms provided by democracy, in particular free and competitive elections, just 3 years ago we were able to overcome the deep public crisis in which our society found itself and the aftershocks of which continue to be felt this day, it must be admitted.
Returning to the geopolitical picture, we must note again that the existing international mechanisms, unfortunately, are no longer able to effectively address the existing challenges. Moreover, in the case of the impossibility of changing the created situation, we cannot avoid further deterioration of the situation, which I will not exaggerate if I say that it is one of the most difficult since the Second World War.
Of course, the description of this image is not meant to evoke pessimistic or apocalyptic feelings. Quite the opposite: in my belief, it is the full awareness of this reality that emphasizes the urgent need to halt the wrong course and change the picture, just as a correct diagnosis allows for the proper treatment of a disease. This transformation is not a theoretical concept, but a very real and practical necessity.
If we all recognize that something is indeed and that this path is leading us toward another abyss with no long-term winners, what should be the response of civilized humanity in this situation? It is to restore a world order based on international rules and strengthen its legitimacy. This is the only way to advance global security and development agendas.
However, when everyone - individuals, states, NGOs, non-state actors - live by and are guided by their own truth, how to reach a common denominator, common rules and inviolable truths. Through dialogue. Dialogue, and even the clash of views, debate can create opportunity to discover shared truths and formulate common rules.
Will dialogue guarantee success? Not a fact. But it is certain that the absence of dialogue will only deepen the current crisis.
This is Armenia’s approach and belief: to continue dialogue even in the most difficult situations, striving to establish common rules of coexistence, to respect, tolerate and if possible, cooperate in mutually beneficial ways. This is the approach we have taken in order to establish lasting peace in our region.
I believe everyone here will agree with Martin Luther King’s claim, that peace is not just the absence of the shelling. Indeed, we need stable, just and dignified solutions, which require strong political will and commitment. The Republic of Armenia, despite all the challenges and difficulties, has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate that will and commitment.
Today, dear colleagues, we suggest you use "Yerevan Dialogue" as a platform to discuss global challenges. A platform where I hope we can take a step closer to define common rules and shape our future.
Let me conclude again with the words of Saryan: "In the end, today is forever, yesterday is still today, and tomorrow is already today."
I thank you and wish all of us a successful inaugural "Yerevan Dialogue"”.
