On November 26, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan participated in the 10th World Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations held in Portugal, within the framework of which he delivered a speech at the meeting of the Friends of the Alliance group. This was reported by the RA MFA.
In his speech, Vahan Kostanyan expressed gratitude to the host country, Portugal, and the Secretariat of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for organizing the forum and including current topics in the agenda.
RA Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed Armenia's readiness for active involvement in joint efforts to combat hate speech, racial and ethnic discrimination and xenophobia.
"The prevention agenda remains among the priorities of Armenia's foreign policy. Armenia is the author of the UN Human Rights Council's "Prevention of Genocide" resolution.
From December 12 to 13 of this year, the Global Forum "Against the Crime of Genocide" will be held in Armenia for the fifth time, the core of which is strengthening the effectiveness of international mechanisms for early warning and early response to the threat of genocide and other crimes.
Attacks on cultural heritage, as well as the destruction and appropriation of cultural values, which we are witnessing in many regions, including the South Caucasus, continue to cause serious concern and are of particular importance for Armenia."
Referring to the strengthening of peace and stability in the region, the deputy minister noted that despite all the existing obstacles, Armenia is positive in terms of the process of regulating relations with its neighbors and expects mutually constructive steps from the latter.
As a result of the meeting, the Kashkaish Declaration was adopted.
