EastWest Institute of New York interested in quantum diplomacy invented by Armen Sarkissian

General Executive Director and President of New York EastWest Institute Cameron Munter was in Armenia recently. During his visit Munter hold a number of meetings with representatives of analytical and research centers, visited International Center for Human Development and Global Dialogue Forum organization where he discussed cooperation opportunities.

Speaking about the results of his visit and discussions, Munter said that one of the regular annual meetings of the Institute will be conducted in Armenia next year. Previously they were conducted in Berlin, Amman.

“It will be an opportunity not only to see Yerevan and taste the best food of the world but view the regional issues as well. Iran, Russia, Turkey may be in the circle of our discussion. The members of our Board of Directors will be here in May. We have a lot to do and we are proud to cooperate with Armenia,” the CEO of the Institute said.

“We are looking for bridges for finding new options of solutions of issues. We are looking for innovative ways for trying to solve problems,” Munter said.

“Armenia’s president Armen Sarkissian is the person who invented quantum diplomacy we are interested in. Quantum diplomacy is doing diplomacy in a way other people do not usually do,” he said.

Munter stressed that there are developing innovative approaches and are very happy to cooperate with Armenian partners.

The CEO is convinced that the politics of 21st century  will not be just black and white. “This is the physics idea of the quantum. You cannot tell a country do this or that. You must understand what exists between the two of them, what way should be chosen for trying to redefine a question to find creative way to deal with it,” he said.

He stressed that there is a need to find other acting people, not only diplomats and government representatives. The NGOs, universities are new diplomats of our times. The leaders of the civic society, young people are new diplomats who start thinking differently.

Cameron Munter also referred to the Edwin Mroz Award given to Armen Sarkissian by EastWest Institute.

“Armen Sarkissian to us is someone who has been working as a bridge-builder for many years during his time as diplomat in London and during his time in government here. We have known him for many years. He is affiliated with us, and we know the work he does. He is a person who brings people together and he proved it during tensions in Armenia. He made every effort to make people stay calm,” Munter said, adding that Armen Sarkissian has always tried to build links between peoples and countries this is why he got the prize. “And that is why we are very honored to have the chance to continue to work with him,” Munter concluded.