Armenia marks 15 years since CoE accession

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday hosted a special event to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the country’s membership in the Council of Europe (CoE) and announce the launch of the 2015-2018 joint Plan of Actions.

The ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, CoE Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, ambassadors of the Council’s member states, and high-ranking Armenian officials, reports the Ministry’s press service.

Describing Armenia as an integral part of, and active role player in, the CoE family, the minister particularly highlighted the country’s chairmanship of the Council in 2013, and the various conferences, events and high-ranking mutual visits organized in the past 15 years.

Nalbandian reiterated Armenia’s willingness to continue its active participation in various EU projects and initiatives.

In her speech, Secretary General Battaini-Dragoni highly appreciated the country’s  commitment to peace and dedication to democratic security in Europe, considering the past years' achievements outstanding and highly impressive.

Addressing the recent constitutional referendum, the European official praised particularly the reforms guaranteeing and promoting a stronger protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

She expressed the EU’s commitment to continue support to the country’s future progress, noting that Armenia is the only state in the South Caucasus region that to have a special school for advocates.

After the ceremony, Armenia’s top diplomat held a private meeting with the deputy secretary to discuss joint cooperation plans, the implementation of the reforms, and a range of issues on the CoE agenda.