As distributed with PAGE 01. BILATERAL PAGE 03. A LEADER’S RELATIONS PERSPECTIVE US-Armenia Relations Continue Eduardo Eurnekian to Blossom CEO and President of PAGE 02. INTERVIEW Corporacion America Interview with Serzh Sargsyan, PAGE 04. AGRICULTURE President of Armenia Armenia: Investing PAGE 03. BUSINESS in Agriculture Armenia Prioritizes Development PAGE 04. TOURISM and Reform: Business Q&As ArmeniaAn ancient nation; a modern republic The Next Big Thing: Tourism OVERVIEW Q&A A Long Past and Bright Future Armenia continues to develop into over the centuries – each seeking to cultural hub, the capital city, Yerevan, ogy, and research are emerging as a stable and democratic state, reso- incorporate these beautiful lands into bustles. Theaters, cafes, galleries and key future-drivers of the economy. lute in its march toward prosperity empire and dynasty. live music halls dot its boulevards. Meanwhile, the banking sector con- Edward Nalbandian and confident in both its people and With the outbreak of the First World Visitors can expect a warm welcome tinues to reform, gaining acclaim Minister of Foreign Affairs its place in the modern age War, the country suffered terrible and the finest Armenian hospitality in for the risk management protocols tragedy. One-and-a-half million this most ancient of cities. implemented as a result of the 2008 Armenians were slaughtered by Displaying diplomatic maturity, the global financial meltdown. Barriers “Armenian-American This nation of just over 3 million Ottoman Turks in the deserts of Mes- country has fostered strong part- to foreign trade and investment are bilateral meetings have people continues to thrive, emerg- opotamia; many more were scattered nerships with countries around the minimal and the country experiences ing as a modern, democratic state around the globe in the face of the globe, particularly the United States, high levels of economic freedom. increased significantly in sure of its identity and determined to onslaught. Acknowledged by schol- which is home to a large, patriotic Ar- Its tourism industry shows largely number and their content succeed, despite the discrimination ars and many countries as a state- menian diaspora. It enjoys a healthy untapped potential, and efforts to that Armenians have faced during sponsored campaign of genocide, the and continuing relationship with the develop this crucial sector’s infra- has become richer” their long, traumatic history. events of 1915 remain permanently European Union, allowing for wide- structure are ongoing. Armenia is Armenia’s foreign affairs minister Edward Nalbandian Sitting landlocked in the South etched into the consciousness of Ar- ranging cooperation in the areas of increasingly seen as a prime and un- talks about US-Armenian relations and his country’s Caucasus, with fast-flowing rivers menians around the world and are political dialogue, trade, investment, spoiled tourism destination, catering foreign policy and iconic mountain landscapes, remembered on April 24 each year. economy, lawmaking and culture. to discerning travelers and backpack- Armenia has a history stretching Armenia achieved independence in Meanwhile, its democratic traditions ers alike. High-walled forts, ancient How would you define the relationship between the US back into the Bronze Age. Its strategic 1991 following the collapse of the continue to evolve. Women occupy churches and monasteries are found and Armenia? location at the crossroads of Eastern Soviet Union, which had annexed it prominent positions of political pow- throughout the country, which was Armenian-American relations over the past few years Europe and Western Asia meant it in 1922. Since then, this young na- er and, compared with many other the first to adopt Christianity as a have developed significantly. The numerous visits and was invaded by Greeks, Byzantines, tion has carved a steady path, despite former Soviet republics, its human state religion. Its valleys, dotted with meetings at all levels of our administrations are proof of Mongols, Arabs, Persians and Turks formidable hurdles. Its economic and rights record is strong. The presi- quaint villages and Jewish cemeter- that. These meetings have not only increased in terms of number, but their content has become richer with dential elections of 2008 were widely ies, and pristine mountain scenery praised by international observers as riven with long hiking trails, offer every meeting. free and fair. unique, limitless touristic potential. We interact closely across the international arena, At a Glance Russia Traditionally an agriculture and in- What other country can boast having covering regional and international security, non- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the fight Population: 3,060,631 (July 2014 est.) Georgia dustry-based economy dependent discovered the world’s oldest leather against all forms of terrorism, peacekeeping operations Ethnic groups: Armenian 98.1%, Yazidi (Kurd) Black Sea Azerbaijan on large remittances from the dias- shoe, immaculately preserved 5,500 Armenia and other global challenges. 1.1%, other 0.7% (2011 est.) pora – which also facilitates interna- years after it was made? After years of supporting peacekeeping in Kosovo and GDP growth rate: 4.5% (2013) tional trade and capital flows – Ar- Armenia’s march toward prosperity Iran the International Security Assistance Forces in Af- GDP composition by sector: Turkey menia is seeking to diversify, rich as seems undeniable, while its people – ghanistan, Armenia is going to continue its contribution Agriculture: 20.6% it is in human capital. indomitable, proud of their country, in supporting global security. Industry: 37.3% Iraq Precious-stone processing, informa- history and culture – move steadily Services: 42.1% (2013 est.) tion and communications technol- into the future. 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian tragedy. How important is it to your ministry to raise awareness of the event? BILATERAL RELATIONS Raising awareness of not only the Armenian genocide, but of other crimes against humanity and genocides is vital for the prevention of such crimes. As a nation that survived the first genocide of the 20th century, we feel US-Armenia Relations Continue to Blossom a strong moral responsibility to contribute to interna- tional efforts in prevention of such crimes. The US and Armenia – two natural Denial and impunity paves the way for the repetition of allies – continue to enjoy a close new crimes against humanity. Independent of geopo- relationship, supporting each other litical or other interests, the international community across multiple platforms should stand together in the recognition, condemnation and punishment of past genocides, for the sake of their future prevention. Relations between these two proud The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the nations, one a global superpower, the Armenian genocide is an important step toward its other a young state emerging as a international recognition and condemnation, but it is not vibrant, investment-friendly business an endpoint. It marks a new beginning in the context of environment, continue to blossom. joint efforts to prevent history repeating itself. Characterized by close cooperation, they are intertwined by the large What possibility do you see of normalizing relations numbers of diaspora Armenians with Turkey? living in the United States. The Armenian-Turkish normalization efforts, initiated The US has supported Armenia since by the president of Armenia in 2008, were summarized it achieved independence, opening five years ago in Zurich, when we signed the Armenian- an embassy in Yerevan in 1992. Turkish protocols. But soon Turkey backtracked, return- Since then, the countries have co- ing to its initial language of preconditions. operated on wide-ranging issues, If the Turkish side considers that it could reanimate with the US actively acting as a but- today obstacles to the normalization process, it acts in tress for Armenia’s democratic, eco- vain and without perspective. This is something I told nomic and social reforms, as well as the Turkish foreign minister in Yerevan in December efforts to promote regional peace 2013. Our position, shared by the entire international community, is the normalization of relations without and prosperity. any preconditions. “Due to our joint efforts, we have raised the relations between our two What opportunities will open up in Armenia as it joins nations to the highest point ever in US President Barack Obama meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security the Russian-led Customs Union? the history of Armenian-American re- Summit at the Washington Convention Center in 2010 Armenia’s approach on this issue is pragmatic. We lationships,” said Armenian minister hope the Customs Union will grant new opportunities of foreign affairs Edward Nalbandian. ing to democracy, the US and Arme- Armenia’s potential, making substan- Armenia continues to emphasize its to Armenia in terms of boosting competitiveness in our “We reciprocally characterize those nia maintain strategic dialogue on tial investments in information tech- role in supporting the global interests main export markets and increasing our export volumes, relations as a friendly partnership.” economic issues and regularly meet nology, hotels, carpet and furniture of the US, particularly in the areas of further enhancing and deepening our economic rela- Emerging as natural allies in a re- to discuss mutual cooperation