We Can Sometimes Go Beyond the Framework of Classical Schemes: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh Republic (EXCLUSIVE)

• 01.17.2018, 17:16
•  World,  NKR,  Interview

"Armedia" IAA presents an exclusive interview with Masis Mailyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh on the main developments of the foreign policy of Artsakh in 2017.

- Mr. Minister, can you name the most important event for Artsakh's foreign policy in 2017?

- It is difficult to single out only one major event, and nevertheless we can note the continuing positive dynamics in the process of recognition of Artsakh. In this regard in 2017, there were two productive presidential visits to Belgium and France. In the autumn, President Bako Sahakyan launched the "Days of Artsakh in France"; a group of friendship with parliamentarians of Artsakh was established in the Flemish Parliament, and a circle of friendship in the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation was also opened.

We should also note that in 2017, the American state of Michigan became the eighth state that recognized the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination.

- This year you headed the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh. What are the three main tasks that you set for the employees?

- As you know, the foreign policy tasks of Artsakh are determined by the head of the state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh should implement them. The program of the President of Artsakh published in mid-October for 2017-2020 specifies the priority directions of the republic's foreign policy. From the diplomatic service it is required that it should be active and very effective. I believe that due to the temporary non-recognition of Artsakh, we can sometimes go beyond the framework of classical schemes and demonstrate a creative approach in realizing the tasks set before us.

- New Year is the time of miracles. Of course, we don’t often talk about miracles in this context as everything is decided by the "realpolitik", but, nevertheless, what miracle do you expect in 2018 for yourself personally, for the country, for the Armenians?

- In 2018 I expect some concrete results for our country to be achieved by the teamwork of both the central apparatus of the Foreign Ministry and our foreign missions. What we achieve for Artsakh will be equally useful both for the Armenians as a whole, and for every single citizen of the two Armenian states.

Let's hope that 2018 will be a year of new achievements, prosperity and development.