Your Holiness,
Dear compatriots,
Dear guests,
I congratulate our people and all those present on the occasion of Independence Day. Today's Armenia is an established state with ever growing tendency of deepening market reforms, democratic transitions and international integration. The choice of our people brought us to a new domain.
As a result of the implemented systemic reforms our country has experienced obvious progress. Armenia today is defined in terms of sustainable economic growth and regular implementation of the state budget. It is visible that small and medium businesses are more active. Most of these results are directed at social sector and the main problem today is the elimination of poverty. Precise implementation of that program is the duty of all of us.
We prioritize balanced development of all our regions (marzes), evolvement of the middle class and deepening our democracy. The formula of the further advancement of Armenia is based on the pillars of the rule of law, effective governance, fair competition and extended employment opportunities. Those challenges are typical of the current stage of Armenia's development. They also represent the world processes currently underway.
In foreign policy our country has a precise strategy: to strengthen the credibility of our country abroad by furthering relations in all directions. Armenia brings its contribution to the international fight against terrorism, which nowadays has a most urgent meaning.
Protection of peace in our complex region is a vital issue. We consider that the key to it is in multilateral cooperation between all countries of the region. On the issue of Nagorno Karabagh we remain committed to the principle of peaceful settlement. Such settlement shall be based on the objective realities that came forth after the collapse of USSR. Particularly it shall be based on the unquestionable reality of existence of NKR.
The Armenian Armed forces are an important component of the security of the Armenian people and of the peace in the region. Formation of the Armed forces and the current level of combat preparedness are an historic achievement of our people. At the foundation of our Army are heroes, whose feat made our country a stable state and the motherland of all Armenians.
On the occasion of this important day I also congratulate Armenians from around the world. The Republic of Armenia is the herald of the feelings and goals of all segments of the Armenian people. It has already undertaken its mission of addressing the issues of pan-Armenian scale.
I once again congratulate all of us on the occasion of the 13th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Establishment of free, prosperous and powerful Armenia has been a dream for many generations. Our generation got the opportunity to implement the most decisive phase of that dream. We fulfill that historic responsibility with honor for the glory of Armenia and our people.
Thank you.