Azad-Hye interviews Ambassador of Armenia in the United Arab Emirates His Excellency Vahagn Melikian, on the occasion of the first year of his tenure in this new environment.
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When did you start your tenure in the United Arab Emirates and what were the first issues that faced you in this new assignment?? 
I first came to the United Arab Emirates on 27 May 2006. As you know, it was the beginning of the summer vacations. It was a suitable time for me to concentrate on sorting out some internal administrative issues.
I first came to the United Arab Emirates on 27 May 2006. As you know, it was the beginning of the summer vacations. It was a suitable time for me to concentrate on sorting out some internal administrative issues.
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Soon after the summer and especially in mid-September we adopted an intensive program of meetings, especially with high ranking UAE personalities, several directors of well-known companies, during which we discussed several issues (political, economic, legal, educational etc.). I would like to underline that the field of activities is wide. We started a campaign to inform the public and certain individuals on economic, political, legal and other issues related to Armenia. We are working with Armenian friends and organizations in the Diaspora to achieve our mutual goals. As you know, during President Kocharian?s visit to the United Arab Emirates in April 2002, the late UAE President Sheikh Zayed donated a sizeable piece of land to Armenia for the future Embassy premises and Ambassador?s residence. The construction works are carried on intensively and we hope that by the end of this year (2007) we will have a completely new building ready to accommodate us. The construction of the new Embassy building indicates clearly that the Armenian Embassy in the UAE has a regional role. In the near future several other Gulf countries would be covered from this location, enabling us to pursue our policy in this region.
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Could you provide us with an overall description of the role of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi?
In 2000 the Government of Armenia took a decision to enhance the diplomatic ties with the UAE.?Arshag Poladian was appointed as Charg? d?Affaires, who later became Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador. In the beginning there were many difficulties. Diplomacy is a bitter pleasure. We should be thankful for the enormous support and the great and reliable assistance that we enjoyed by our Diaspora compatriots from the first moment of the existence of the Embassy. At that time a committee was formed which undertook the coordination and the settlement of all running expenses, a really important step at that early stage. I would like to take advantage of this occasion to express my thanks and gratitude to all individuals and organizations that supported the Embassy throughout those years and for the tremendous work they have accomplished, without which it would have been difficult to visualize the future course of the Embassy. As far as Armenia-UAE relations are concerned, enormous work has been done during the past few years in several domains including bilateral contractual and legal fields. Dozen of agreements have were signed, mutual visits were carried on in many fields, notably the visit of President Kocharian in 2002, the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian in 2006 at the inauguration ceremony of the commencement Embassy construction works.? It is worth mentioning here that the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi visited Armenia two years ago, during which serious commitment was made for developing the mutual ties, particularly with the Emirate of Sharjah. A lot of work has been done and we will try to build upon what we have inherited, widening meanwhile the scope of our activities and strengthening the good-neighborhood cooperation.
In 2000 the Government of Armenia took a decision to enhance the diplomatic ties with the UAE.?Arshag Poladian was appointed as Charg? d?Affaires, who later became Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador. In the beginning there were many difficulties. Diplomacy is a bitter pleasure. We should be thankful for the enormous support and the great and reliable assistance that we enjoyed by our Diaspora compatriots from the first moment of the existence of the Embassy. At that time a committee was formed which undertook the coordination and the settlement of all running expenses, a really important step at that early stage. I would like to take advantage of this occasion to express my thanks and gratitude to all individuals and organizations that supported the Embassy throughout those years and for the tremendous work they have accomplished, without which it would have been difficult to visualize the future course of the Embassy. As far as Armenia-UAE relations are concerned, enormous work has been done during the past few years in several domains including bilateral contractual and legal fields. Dozen of agreements have were signed, mutual visits were carried on in many fields, notably the visit of President Kocharian in 2002, the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian in 2006 at the inauguration ceremony of the commencement Embassy construction works.? It is worth mentioning here that the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi visited Armenia two years ago, during which serious commitment was made for developing the mutual ties, particularly with the Emirate of Sharjah. A lot of work has been done and we will try to build upon what we have inherited, widening meanwhile the scope of our activities and strengthening the good-neighborhood cooperation.
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What do you think about the way some Armenians deal with the Embassy?
There is a general phenomenon that is difficult to grasp: why our Diaspora brothers and sisters do not visit the Embassy and do not show active interest in it? This has its understandable explanation though. People are very busy and they have their own different commitments that do not allow them to spare time for active relationship with the Embassy. The other aspect is the way Armenians think about the Embassy. This should be changed. Today there is a kind of stereotypical approach which needs to be changed, as Armenia is progressing day by day and the question right now is how to contribute in this progressive course. I am not inclined to see the support of Diaspora Armenians only in terms of providing financial means. The assistance could take different forms. There are many Armenians who have lived here for decades and have formed a close-knit network of serious relationships. We need to utilize these relations to reach to the individuals and companies who would be interested in knowing Armenia and the Armenians. Our priority issue today is the encouragement of foreign investments. The foreign investment field in Armenia is quite free today and liberalized. It provides big opportunities. Those who have analyzed the situation certainly would have noticed that there are great opportunities waiting for the potential investors. Our Diaspora compatriots can help in providing information about individuals and companies that are interested in developing business in Armenia. With their contribution we can take further steps and invite these people to go and see Armenia as it is and to do their own investigations and economic feasibility studies? and I am sure that they will reach to favorable conclusions.
There is a general phenomenon that is difficult to grasp: why our Diaspora brothers and sisters do not visit the Embassy and do not show active interest in it? This has its understandable explanation though. People are very busy and they have their own different commitments that do not allow them to spare time for active relationship with the Embassy. The other aspect is the way Armenians think about the Embassy. This should be changed. Today there is a kind of stereotypical approach which needs to be changed, as Armenia is progressing day by day and the question right now is how to contribute in this progressive course. I am not inclined to see the support of Diaspora Armenians only in terms of providing financial means. The assistance could take different forms. There are many Armenians who have lived here for decades and have formed a close-knit network of serious relationships. We need to utilize these relations to reach to the individuals and companies who would be interested in knowing Armenia and the Armenians. Our priority issue today is the encouragement of foreign investments. The foreign investment field in Armenia is quite free today and liberalized. It provides big opportunities. Those who have analyzed the situation certainly would have noticed that there are great opportunities waiting for the potential investors. Our Diaspora compatriots can help in providing information about individuals and companies that are interested in developing business in Armenia. With their contribution we can take further steps and invite these people to go and see Armenia as it is and to do their own investigations and economic feasibility studies? and I am sure that they will reach to favorable conclusions.
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What do citizens of Armenia think about UAE?
When you talk to an ordinary Armenian about the UAE, the first word that pops up in his mind is Dubai. The second is Burj Al Arab. This is a simple way to put it but Armenians usually have enough information about the country. There are waves of businessmen and tourists coming from Armenia to the UAE. There are certain successful businessmen who have established their businesses in the UAE, some of them with joint ventures and others having their own companies. Armenian tourists also make their presence known in big numbers. But the general view about the GCC countries needs more comprehensive research and evaluation, in order to gather and provide more accurate information. There is lack of information but one of our tasks is to update our citizens about the real situation in the UAE and generally in the GCC countries. We need to give the compact picture, such as what kind of a country is the UAE and what are the existing business and employment opportunities here.
When you talk to an ordinary Armenian about the UAE, the first word that pops up in his mind is Dubai. The second is Burj Al Arab. This is a simple way to put it but Armenians usually have enough information about the country. There are waves of businessmen and tourists coming from Armenia to the UAE. There are certain successful businessmen who have established their businesses in the UAE, some of them with joint ventures and others having their own companies. Armenian tourists also make their presence known in big numbers. But the general view about the GCC countries needs more comprehensive research and evaluation, in order to gather and provide more accurate information. There is lack of information but one of our tasks is to update our citizens about the real situation in the UAE and generally in the GCC countries. We need to give the compact picture, such as what kind of a country is the UAE and what are the existing business and employment opportunities here.
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Why many Armenian citizens who have settled in the UAE do not participate in community life? Whenever I meet citizens of Armenia here I encourage them to take part in community activities and to be an integral part of the society. It is not enough to have ties with Diaspora individuals on economic level. A deeper relationship is needed with the wider society. These Armenians should definitely send their children to the Armenian weekly school in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. In Sharjah there are more Armenian citizens than in Abu Dhabi. My children and the children of the Armenian diplomatic corps all attend the Armenian weekly school in Abu Dhabi. Concerning the Armenians of the community I can say there is a kind of reservation when they deal with issues related to Armenia. I cannot be precise here, but it seems that there are differences in attitudes, mentality and orientation which create certain obstacles in the mechanism of integration of the Diaspora Armenians with those in the homeland. The well-known Armenia-Diaspora conferences and other channels of communication are aimed at bringing together the two wings of the nation: Armenia and Diaspora and to find common ground of understanding, thus pushing forward the integration process. Can you imagine what will happen for example if Armenian citizens come together and create their own organizations within the Diaspora Armenian entity. This is what unfortunately happening in some communities such as in Los Angeles. On the other hand, I do not see anything harmful thing in creating patriotic organizations (related to certain geographical areas), as long as they are not self?centered or exclusive, a trend that could lead to eventual isolation and ghetto-like status, while we have so many pan-Armenian issues that all need the involvement of the Armenians worldwide, regardless of their origin and place of birth. They should come together in a transparent and simple way to have the chance to express their views and discuss ways to serve the community in the best possible way.
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Does the Embassy think of organizing some cultural events in the near future?
There is an intention to go ahead with several cultural and other activities, but we have to admit that all such efforts at some degree depend on the painful issue of finding the financial resources, a headache in itself. I think there are ways to secure the financial means anyway. We need to be active in introducing our centuries old culture to the UAE audience. There is something else that we need to care about: If there is a group of musicians or artists that come from Armenia to this area, they should have the chance to go to neighboring countries such as Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain during the same trip and within the limits of a week tour. The Armenian communities in these locations should coordinate between each other and try to make use of such opportunities. I personally prefer to see cultural groups with great number of members coming to the region, but this is related purely to financial considerations and our resources are limited. We have to find ways to bring here our men and women of art, who are capable in introducing our culture to the foreigners.
There is an intention to go ahead with several cultural and other activities, but we have to admit that all such efforts at some degree depend on the painful issue of finding the financial resources, a headache in itself. I think there are ways to secure the financial means anyway. We need to be active in introducing our centuries old culture to the UAE audience. There is something else that we need to care about: If there is a group of musicians or artists that come from Armenia to this area, they should have the chance to go to neighboring countries such as Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain during the same trip and within the limits of a week tour. The Armenian communities in these locations should coordinate between each other and try to make use of such opportunities. I personally prefer to see cultural groups with great number of members coming to the region, but this is related purely to financial considerations and our resources are limited. We have to find ways to bring here our men and women of art, who are capable in introducing our culture to the foreigners.
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How much ready is the consular office in the Embassy in providing services to citizens and non-citizens?
There is a special section in the Embassy for consular affairs, which provides complete consular services. It issues entry visas to foreigners and takes steps in protecting the interests of the Armenian citizens in the UAE. This includes also the range of legal services such as issuing authorizations or powers of attorney to citizens, renewing passports, etc. In reference to our Diaspora compatriots, we can mention that there is an increased interest in obtaining the Special Residence Status (Armenian passport for citizens of other countries) through the Embassy. We have provided consular help also to Armenians carrying different citizenships. There are many problems around us and we need to solve them. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the country, therefore the Embassy is located here, but the majority of the Armenians and specially the Armenian citizens are based in Dubai and Sharjah and in the remaining Northern Emirates. We need to introduce a system of rotating consular services and try to cater for the needs of these individuals in an effective manner. I would like to repeat that there are lots of things to do, our resources sometimes are not enough and we need to expand our services because the fields that we are covering are very wide. Nevertheless we can comfortably say that we have achieved considerable success.
There is a special section in the Embassy for consular affairs, which provides complete consular services. It issues entry visas to foreigners and takes steps in protecting the interests of the Armenian citizens in the UAE. This includes also the range of legal services such as issuing authorizations or powers of attorney to citizens, renewing passports, etc. In reference to our Diaspora compatriots, we can mention that there is an increased interest in obtaining the Special Residence Status (Armenian passport for citizens of other countries) through the Embassy. We have provided consular help also to Armenians carrying different citizenships. There are many problems around us and we need to solve them. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the country, therefore the Embassy is located here, but the majority of the Armenians and specially the Armenian citizens are based in Dubai and Sharjah and in the remaining Northern Emirates. We need to introduce a system of rotating consular services and try to cater for the needs of these individuals in an effective manner. I would like to repeat that there are lots of things to do, our resources sometimes are not enough and we need to expand our services because the fields that we are covering are very wide. Nevertheless we can comfortably say that we have achieved considerable success.
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How well are Armenia and the UAE connected and what are the prospects for future development in this respect?
Maybe you are aware that there are two weekly flights from Dubai to Yerevan through Air Armavia. We are pleased to say that since last October (2006) Air Arabia of Sharjah has started to serve Sharjah-Yerevan direct line. This is a relatively new company which is expanding with great strides. With the introduction of this line a sort of positive competition started between the two companies resulting in providing better rates to the clients and in arranging more convenient flying schedule. I have been told that both companies are satisfied with the results of the service upgrade. We hope that both companies pursue their interests without any conflict. Being one of the destinations on the list of Air Arabia indicates there is great potential in growing ties between Armenia and the UAE. This will increase the cargo and passengers traffic volume. Our work is to highlight this momentum and to increase interest among individuals and companies and enable them to get to know Armenia and examine the way of life and business attire there. All foreigners who stayed several days in Yerevan have never formed a negative view about the country. I can definitely say that there has been no one after visiting our country has expressed just modest views saying ?Ok, it?s not bad?. On the contrary, all had far more to say, including warm words of praise and appreciation. This is pleasing enough and opens the way to others to visit the country based on the word of mouth factor. Knowing the country first as a tourist can help in approaching it with business intentions in the future.
Maybe you are aware that there are two weekly flights from Dubai to Yerevan through Air Armavia. We are pleased to say that since last October (2006) Air Arabia of Sharjah has started to serve Sharjah-Yerevan direct line. This is a relatively new company which is expanding with great strides. With the introduction of this line a sort of positive competition started between the two companies resulting in providing better rates to the clients and in arranging more convenient flying schedule. I have been told that both companies are satisfied with the results of the service upgrade. We hope that both companies pursue their interests without any conflict. Being one of the destinations on the list of Air Arabia indicates there is great potential in growing ties between Armenia and the UAE. This will increase the cargo and passengers traffic volume. Our work is to highlight this momentum and to increase interest among individuals and companies and enable them to get to know Armenia and examine the way of life and business attire there. All foreigners who stayed several days in Yerevan have never formed a negative view about the country. I can definitely say that there has been no one after visiting our country has expressed just modest views saying ?Ok, it?s not bad?. On the contrary, all had far more to say, including warm words of praise and appreciation. This is pleasing enough and opens the way to others to visit the country based on the word of mouth factor. Knowing the country first as a tourist can help in approaching it with business intentions in the future.
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How do you feel when you realize that the Embassy has much to do in the coming period?
We have big hopes that we will succeed. We will achieve this with your help. We should not forget that there are more than 3.000 Armenians in this country, who have come here due to different circumstances and employment needs. I would like to take the opportunity to underline that the gates of the Embassy are always open to all. Our policy is not to differentiate between good and bad people. All should be present and all should occupy the positions that they deserve. We are open to all and ready to embrace all. We are ready to provide whatever clarification and information needed about life in Armenia. Believe me, many of our compatriots do not have information about what is going on in Armenia. The Embassy could be the best source of such information. Of course in modern times and in the presence of communication technologies and in the age of the globalization it is so easy to know about what is going on in any part of the world with one click, but the clear and real evaluation related to Armenia can start from us. We are ready also to provide consultancy about whatever decisions you would like to take such as resettlement in Armenia, establishment of business there, investments, etc. as we are ready to allocate for you suitable partners, with whom you can start straightforward cooperation. By visiting the Embassy you will certainly feel the warmth of the motherland. We are ready to share with you these feelings and to discuss all subjects of interest. The Embassy operates in a transparent and simple way, without any intention to intervene in inner community issues. The mission of the Embassy is quite different. I would like all of you to realize this in the proper context, as the Embassy cannot be considered a community structure. Many make this mistake, which is far from reality. The Embassy is a representation of our country and a part of the motherland on foreign land. We are ready to cooperate with our Diaspora compatriots on all aspects. We are ready to contribute in the most humble way, to help, assist, support within our jurisdiction and powers. We ourselves are also living outside the motherland. Although we are in a friendly country, nevertheless the Embassy is part of the motherland. You can always come to us and sit down and discuss with us different topics. We behave in a down-to-earth way and we have nothing to hide from anyone.??
We have big hopes that we will succeed. We will achieve this with your help. We should not forget that there are more than 3.000 Armenians in this country, who have come here due to different circumstances and employment needs. I would like to take the opportunity to underline that the gates of the Embassy are always open to all. Our policy is not to differentiate between good and bad people. All should be present and all should occupy the positions that they deserve. We are open to all and ready to embrace all. We are ready to provide whatever clarification and information needed about life in Armenia. Believe me, many of our compatriots do not have information about what is going on in Armenia. The Embassy could be the best source of such information. Of course in modern times and in the presence of communication technologies and in the age of the globalization it is so easy to know about what is going on in any part of the world with one click, but the clear and real evaluation related to Armenia can start from us. We are ready also to provide consultancy about whatever decisions you would like to take such as resettlement in Armenia, establishment of business there, investments, etc. as we are ready to allocate for you suitable partners, with whom you can start straightforward cooperation. By visiting the Embassy you will certainly feel the warmth of the motherland. We are ready to share with you these feelings and to discuss all subjects of interest. The Embassy operates in a transparent and simple way, without any intention to intervene in inner community issues. The mission of the Embassy is quite different. I would like all of you to realize this in the proper context, as the Embassy cannot be considered a community structure. Many make this mistake, which is far from reality. The Embassy is a representation of our country and a part of the motherland on foreign land. We are ready to cooperate with our Diaspora compatriots on all aspects. We are ready to contribute in the most humble way, to help, assist, support within our jurisdiction and powers. We ourselves are also living outside the motherland. Although we are in a friendly country, nevertheless the Embassy is part of the motherland. You can always come to us and sit down and discuss with us different topics. We behave in a down-to-earth way and we have nothing to hide from anyone.??
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Embassy contact details:
Tel: 00971-2-6769222
Fax: 00971-2-6764888
E-mail: [email protected]
Ambassador Vahagn Melikian meeting UAE personalities in the first half of 2007
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Photos:
1-Upper left photo: With H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah on 23 February 2007.
1-Upper left photo: With H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah on 23 February 2007.
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2- Photo in the middle of the interview: With Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry on 28 May 2007.
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3- Below photo: With Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister on 28 June 2007, delivering a message from Vartan Oskanian, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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